PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
Season Review: The biggest news out of Philly was the 76ers finally dealing Allen Iverson and waiving Chris Webber. I’ll admit that I was shocked when Iverson was dealt to Denver because Philly and Iverson have been synonymous with each other for the past decade. However, after things unravelled this summer it became clear that Billy King would have to rebuild around Andre Idoudala and Samuel “The Haitian Sensation” Dalembert.
First-Half Surprises: Most hoops fans are infatuated with Andre Igoudala but the 76er that has impressed me the most so far this season has been the Haitian Sensation. Dalembert has stepped up his game in a big way this year and is averaging career highs in boards (9.0) and scoring (10.7).
First-Half Disappointments: I think the fact that Chris Webber wasn’t the missing piece to bringing a Championship to Philly has been the biggest disappointment for 76ers fans. When Webber arrived around this time last season many fans were predicting that Philly would be one of the elite teams in the East but because of Webber’s ego and Iverson’s demise the 76ers are now firmly entrenched in a painful rebounding phase.
Staring Into My Crystal Ball: I wouldn’t be surprised to see Andre Miller dealt before the trade deadline in exchange for a younger player and a draft pick. While Miller is one of the top point guards in the NBA, Philly isn’t going to be ready to contend anytime soon so they may as well deal him for some pieces to rebuild around. The Heat are claiming that Dorell Wright is off limits but if I were Pat Riley I’d send Wright and a draft pick to Philly for Miller because he would be the catalyst for their offense that they desperately need.
TORONTO RAPTORS
Season Review: The Raptors sputtered out of the gate this season to a 5-10 record but since then they have an impressive 24-10 on their way to soaring to the top the Atlantic Division. Toronto’s slow start can be attributed to a rough opening schedule and nine new players on the opening night roster, but now that they have Chris Bosh healthy and the new additions performing at high levels the Raptors look like the kings of the Atlantic Division.
First-Half Surprises: The influence of the Euro Invasion has been awe-inspiring for Raptors fans to witness. Players like Rasho Nesterovic, Anthony Parker, Andrea Bargnani, Jorge Garbajosa and Jose Calderon have brought a selfless approach to playing basketball to this franchise and it has resulted in an offense that a treat to watch. Between passing up open three’s for mid-range jumpers to swinging the ball around the perimeter to find the open man the selfless mentality on offense has been amazing to see this season.
First-Half Disappointments: During training camp Fred Jones looked poised to be light version Vince Carter but a shooting slump and injuries have stalled what looked to be a promising season. Jones has only played in 39 games and after a hot November where he averaged 10.4 points per game his scoring average for the season has dipped to 7.8 points per game.
Staring Into My Crystal Ball: Look for the Raptors to run away with the Atlantic Division. I expect combination of the Raptors resurgence combined with the Maple Leafs playing abysmal hockey to bring some hockey fans back to the Air Canada Centre for some playoff games this April.
DIVISION REPORTS
Eastern Conference
Atlantic Division
Central Division
Southeast Division
Western Conference