SIXERS: Iverson Returns to Lead Sixers in Upset over Portland

The Sixers got a huge win the other night against a very good Portland Trail Blazer team in the Rose Garden.  With Allen Iverson back in the lineup for the first time in four games, the Sixers followed their veteran leader to a huge upset, winning by double digits on the road.  Iverson had his best game of the season since he returned to Philadelphia, scoring 19 points on 7 for 11 shooting.  This is a big change from the Iverson of old, who used to score more points but would take (and miss) and ton of shots.  Rarely did we ever see A.I. have a night in which he shot over 50% from the field.  Iverson’s return helped spur the Sixers to a victory, hopefully one they will be able to build off of when they visit Chester native Tyreke Evans and the Sacramento Kings tonight at Arco Arena. 

Playing againts former teammate Andre Miller for the first time since he left for free agency, the Sixers received an outstanding performance from Elton Brand off the bench.  Brand dropped 25 points to go along with his 9 rebounds.  I have been very critical of Brand’s play in the past, but I will give the man credit in that he has been playing very good basketball as of late, especially in the team’s last two wins against Boston and Portland.  The good thing for Brand is that he can come off the bench and play efficiently, while not having to carry the entire burden of playing close to 40 minutes and defending the paint all night.  With fellow big man Marresse Speights having an excellent season thus far as well, the two bigs can split time to give each other rest when they need it.  Thaddeus Young seems to be able to play power forward too, and he has been the starter at that position since Lou Williams returned.  With the lineup of Iverson, Williams, Iguodala, Young, and Dalembert (who continues to be a disappointment despite still showing signs of promise), the Sixers have a good mix of young talent and veteran leaders.  With guys like Brand, Speights, and Jrue Holiday coming off the bench, the Sixers have some depth at each position.  Hopefully they can put it all together and get a few wins.  The team hasn’t won two straight since early November.  Tonight against the Kings would be a good time to turn that around.  They will need a strong defensive effort to get it done, as the Kings average over 104 points per game and have found their new star player in Evans, who is a strong candidate for Rookie of the Year.

SIXERS: 2009-10 Schedule Released

Today, the NBA officially released the 2009-10 NBA Schedule.  The Philadelphia 76ers will begin their campaign at the home of the defending 2008-09 Eastern Conference Champions and the team that ended their season, the Orlando Magic, when they travel to Orlando on October 28.  Here are some other notable games for the Sixers this season.

October 30: First game at Wachovia Center vs. Milwaukee Bucks

November 3: First home game vs. Boston Celtics

December 16: First home game vs. LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers

December 22-January 3: Beginning of annual Disney road trip (6 games), which includes a stop in Portland against former Sixer Andre Miller

January 29: Only home game against defending NBA Champions Los Angeles Lakers

April 14: Final game of the year at Orlando Magic

So the Sixers will end the regular season the same place they will begin it: at Amway Arena against the Magic.  The Sixers will have a relatively easy start to the season in October/November, facing the New Jersey Nets twice, along with home games against the Milwaukee Bucks, Charlotte Bobcats, and Memphis Grizzlies, along with road games against the New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, and Washington Wizards.  They do have two games against the Celtics, along with road games against the Cavs, San Antonio Spurs, and Dallas Mavericks towards the end of the month.  The Sixers will find another easy stretch in January, where they play eight straight games against the Knicks, Sacramento Kings, Minnesota Timberwolves, Portland Trail Blazers, Dallas Mavericks, Indiana Pacers (twice), and Milwaukee.  One very difficult part of the season will come in late February, beginning with a four game road trip that will take the team to Chicago, Golden State, Phoenix, and finally the Staples Center to play the Lakers.  They will then come home to host the Magic, then travel to Atlanta to face the Hawks, and then come back home to face the Celtics.  After this tough stretch, the Sixers will have a relatively easy stretch of games for the remainder of the season.  In the final two weeks, they will face the Oklahoma City Thunder, Charlotte Bobcats, Toronto Raptors, Detroit Pistons, two games against Miami, then games againist Milwaukee and Memphis before facing a tough finale in Orlando.

SIXERS: Andre Miller to Portland

It looks like Andre Miller will be getting his desired three year deal after all.  Unfortunately, it will not be with the Philadelphia 76ers.  Instead Miller is shipping west to join Brandon Roy and the Portland Trail Blazers.  Earlier today Miller signed a three year deal worth about $21 million.  The Sixers had been trying to resign Miller for a one year deal, but not surprisingly the free agent point guard agreed to leave Philadelphia for a lengthier contract.  Miller should be a good fit for the Trail Blazers, who struggled in the playoffs last year mainly due to poor play from the point guard position.  This will also allow their young star Brandon Roy to play his natural position of shooting guard for the entire game. 

So now that the Sixers can finally prepare for basketball without Miller, they can turn their focus on to their current players at the position.  Both Lou Williams and rookie Jrue Holiday will see significant time at point guard next year, and Willie Green and Andre Iguodala could also get some time at the position next season.  The Sixers will also look to add a free agent point guard for next season.  An article in today’s Philadelphia Inquirer mentioned former Indiana Pacers guard Jamaal Tinsley as a possible target for the Sixers.

SIXERS: Rumors of Andre Miller trade to Portland Untrue

Earlier today a report came out that the Portland Trail Blazers were making the Sixers an offer in which they would send Steve Blake and Travis Outlaw to Philadelphia in a sign-and-trade deal for Sixers PG Andre Miller.  Portland GM Kevin Pritchard denied the rumor in text message response to ESPN when he replied “No” to the report.  A 76ers representative also commented, saying there was “nothing to it.”  Whether this issue reappears will remain to be seen, but as of now Andre Miller still remains unsigned.  The Sixers could make this type of deal with teams until July 8, which is the first day free agents can officially sign with new teams.