With the Phils in the NLCS, the Birds soaring at 3-1 and the Flyers looking sharp early it’s hard to sell the Sixers to even the hardcore Philly fan.
Though, the Sixers will be fielding a competitive team this season. A team good enough to make the playoffs and perhaps advance past the 1st round. And I know we want championships here in Philly, but the Sixers could be building a strong future now. They have plenty of young athletic talent, a new coach and a new system tailor made for their strengths.
Remember this is a team that gave the Orlando Magic all they could handle in the playoffs last season. Most likely, the strongest test the Magic faced before losing to the Lakers in the Finals was to the 76ers. And this was a slumping Sixers team heading into the playoffs. Battle weary without their super star free agent acquisition Elton Brand and being led onto the court nightly by their second head coach of the year.
Alright, enough recapping, it’s a brand new year. Let’s take a look at some of the changes to this years team.
Eddie Jordan brings the “Princeton Offense” to Philadelphia, a system that was hugely successful in Washington. Now what is the “Princeton Offense?” I’m glad you asked, in Part 1 of our season preview I’m going to do my best to give you all the information you need/can stand.
- Explaining Eddie Jordan’s “Princeton Offense”
First off, forget everything you know about offensive basketball. Forget about numbering the players 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5. In Jordan’s offense there are 2 guards, 2 forwards and 1 center.
The offense preaches patience as well as sharing the ball and is based in two sets, “high” and “low.”
The offense is a relentless flow of passing and moving without the ball. Spreading the ball around, getting everyone involved is the goal.
With this style of offense the point guard is asked to do less play making and becomes simply part of the offensive flow. He is not expected to be the main distributor nor is the brunt of the scoring load put on his shoulders.
Why don’t I just let Eddie Jordan explain it himself:
Now I aside from the Season Preview I’ll be posting a feature called “What They’re Saying About.” Which is some opinions from other Sixer writers. Here’s a little preview:
What They’re Saying About…….Royal Ivey
“How about getting 40% above the field? That would be appreciated”
“Ivey is an excellent defender, who can guard 1s and 2s, and can knock down the three.”
“The Sixers brought him back for his defense and his leadership. They’ll need that for the young point guards in” Lou Williams and Jrue Holiday.
Martin Frank- Wilmington News Journal
Part 2 coming….. As well as a full versions of “What They’re Saying About…..”
-Mike Santa Barbara
*** Follow me on Twitter @Mike__SB ***
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