Andre Iguodala and the Sixers are back from the All-Star break tonight as they take on the Indiana Pacers in Indy at 7 Eastern. Believe it or not the Sixers have had the best record in the NBA since January 6th, winning 14 of their last 18. A lot of the credit obviously has to go to the veterans for stepping up, but rookie Mareese Speights has been outstanding of late making 21 of his last 31 shots.
Aside from the team’s torrid play the big stories have revolved around the upcoming NBA trade deadline and what the Sixers plan to do with guard Andre Miller. Bob Ford says in today’s Inquirer that there are definitely benefits to keep the soon-to-be unrestricted free agent.
Some other Sixer-related items:
- A very interesting bit from Chad Ford’s trade deadline preview column on ESPN.com…
One rumored trade I’ve heard: McCants, Collins and Brian Cardinal for the Sixers’ Samuel Dalembert, who would give Minnesota shot-blocking and athleticism in the frontcourt. But is he worth the two years and $25 million left on his contract?
Both Rashad McCants and Jason Collins are going to be free agents at the end of the season (McCants will be restricted, Collins unrestricted), but I’m still not sure I’d like that trade. Who would be the starting center?!? The move would clear a lot of salary to bring in a free agent or two, but if you are going to blow up the team now by trading away Dalembert you might as well try to get something for Andre Miller too.
- GM Ed Stefanski has gone on record saying he’d like to add an outside shooter, but no deals are on the table at the moment.
- Dei Lynam takes a look at the second half of the Sixers’ season over at csnphilly.com.
