Padover Column: One Week Changes Alot For The Sixers

January 10, 2012 by 1 Comment

What a difference a week makes.  Last Saturday the Sixers were reeling after falling to 1-2, having blown a double digit lead in Utah.  The issue of whether the team had progressed over the offseason was the headline.  Four straight wins later, the team is 5-2, good for first place in the Atlantic Division and fourth in the East.  They have the best point differential in the league at +15.3, along with the best overall defense, holding opponents to 85.6 points per game.   Full Story…

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Padover Column: Continuity A Good Thing For The Sixers?

January 1, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Every Philadelphia media outlet covering the 76ers right now has drilled home how important continuity will be during this lockout shortened season.  The Sixers after all, boast one of the only rosters that has remained unchanged from a year ago.  Well after 3 games, it appears that this is truly the same team as last season, and not in a good way.  Both losses to Portland and Utah were carbon copies of a number of tight games they dropped a year ago because of immaturity and lack of discipline.  It is still early, but Philly has not learned how to win close games, and until they figure it out, they will not be considered a threat in the NBA. Full Story…

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10 Reasons to be Excited for the 2011-2012 Philadelphia 76ers

December 25, 2011 by Leave a Comment

10) Spencer Hawes: Hawes battled an injury during training camp last fall, fell behind in his training and never really caught up to the team. Double cheeseburgers were also prominently involved. He always seemed a step behind in his first season in Philly, and played like one of the shortest 7 footers I”ve ever seen. However, I saw a picture of him at practice last week and he was noticeably slimmer.

In last weeks preseason game in DC and he really looked like a different player. I’m not saying we should expect Hakeem Olajuwon, but 30 minutes, 10 ppg, and 8 rbs is reasonable. He has always been an exceptional passer at his size, so that is one part of his game that should also carry over. Collins has said this is a different team when Hawes is playing well, and he is right. Teams do not usually have a game plan for him and it gives them a huge advantage having a center with his skill-set. As long as he is healthy and in shape we should see an improvement from his first season in Philly. Full Story…

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