Passionate. Intense. Proud... In Hinkie We Trust

The State of the Sixers

The offseason isn’t usually where a normal NBA team should be making noise, but it is for the Sixers. After enduring a season of D-leaguers, long losing streaks, longer losing streaks, and Byron Mullens, the Sixers knew that the rebuilding plan would start to take form this summer. Over the last year, mastermind GM Sam Hinkie got rid of Jrue Holiday, Evan Turner, Spencer Hawes, and any other part of the past administration while acquiring a wide array of assets in the form of potential stars and an abundance of draft picks. Sam Hinkie has a plan to get this team out of mediocrity and fans are either all in or questioning his sanity. These Sixers players will need time to grow and develop together, but this team isn’t built for now; the rebuilding process is going to take a while. Here are a few things you should know looking forward.

Nerlens Noel will be Rookie of the Year. Noel is considered a rookie after sitting out the entire year last year and showed vast signs of improvement throughout summer league. He made his debut in spectacular fashion in Orlando, averaging 12.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks in 24.7 minutes over four games. He only played in two games in Las Vegas but got comparisons to Anthony Davis with his outstanding shot blocking ability. His jump shot improved and his athleticism will fit great with the Sixers style of play. He still is very lanky and could afford to put on some weight and muscle, but the potential is there. Although he isn’t the best rookie I say he will be the ROY because of the time and touches he will get with the Sixers. As Michael Carter-Williams did last year, Noel will benefit from high paced offense and being a catalyst of a lackluster team which will lead to inflated stats and the second straight Sixers Rookie of the Year.

Dario Saric was a great pick. I know a lot of people complain about the pick because we won’t see this guy for at least two years, but that fits what the Sixers are doing. He will grow overseas into a dynamic scorer and provide pop off the bench. Saric received a lot of praise from analysts predicting that he could be a star. With eyes on the future, the Sixers are in position to swing for the fences on a guy who could prove to be a superstar in this league. Also, we just watched a Spurs team full of foreign players win the championship and that is something the Sixers have never excelled in. Along with Vasilije Micić who they also drafted, the Sixers are smart for stashing some players overseas to save cap flexibility and provide future production. Worth noting is that for trading down to get Saric, Hinkie erased some of the mistakes of the Andrew Bynum deal by getting two picks that we originally lost.

Sixers 2^nd rounder will be great pieces, not All-Stars. As I mentioned before, the Spurs are a great model for the Sixers organization to emulate. They have their big three, but their role players are the reason for their success. That team is like a puzzle with parts that fit to form a collective unit. Jerami Grant has extreme athleticism, KJ McDaniels is a defensive stopper, Jordan Mcrae is a sharpshooter, Pierre Jackson (injured this year) is instant offense, and Micic will end up being a great back-up point guard to MCW. The bench depth is going to be a point of focus moving forward so all of these guys developing is important. None of these players have the potential to dominate this team, but they all should fit roles in building this team.

Thad Young won’t be on this team for long. When Lebron went to the Cavs, you immediately knew that more than likely they would also get Kevin Love. Not only because they are in win-now mode, but because they have the most to offer the Timberwolves. Although I believe the Sixers should have been trying to do this all offseason, this is the perfect opportunity to use our cap space and help facilitate this trade. The Timberwolves have shown interest in Thaddeus Young as he remains one of the only veterans on the team. Rumors indicate we would be getting the Cavs Anthony Bennett back. After watching him in summer league, Sixers fans should be ecstatic. He lost a lot of weight and showed glimpses of his days back at UNLV where he dominated. He would be a great project to add to this growing team. I’m hoping we also take on some of the bad contracts from both teams in hopes of getting some draft picks that we know Hinkie loves.

Fans should expect a similar season to last. The Sixers have exciting pieces but they are not ready for a title run now. With Embiid sitting out this year, this season will be used for Noel and MCW’s growth as well as seeing if players like Hollis Thompson and Tony Wroten are long-term pieces for this team. We still have no legitimate shooting or scoring on this team which will make points hard to come by. People argue Doug McDermott would have solved that problem at the 10 pick but like I said the plan is not to be good. McBuckets would have made us a good team this season and ultimately too good to get another lottery pick that we strongly desire. The lottery system may be changed but in the end the Sixers will still end up in the top five. Next year’s prospects are mostly big men, but there are a few guards and wingmen that will be there, we just have to hope we lose enough to guarantee that. The term tanking is very fair as I see this team winning around 20 games this year.

Joel Embiid will be a fan favorite. Joel Embiid is receiving lots of attention even though it is unlikely he will step on the court this year. He has blown up Twitter with his attempts to lure Lebron to Philly and his persistent pursuit of both Kim Kardashian and Rihanna. He has been to Philadelphia, got a cheesesteak, and went to Mitchell & Ness to buy an Allen Iverson jersey. He’s entertaining us off the court and will eventually dominate for us on the court. 

-Jeremy

Why so much hate on LeBron James?

Does LeBron James deserve all his hate for going to Miami just to win Championships? First let me state I neither like LeBron James nor do I dislike him. But, I have to bring these facts up because so much hate has been put onto LeBron. This all stems from the LeBron going to Miami to win championships with two other superstars. In the past ten years only one of the ten teams had less than two superstars or one superstar and three star players on them;  and this was the 2011 Dallas Mavericks. In these past ten years nine teams have had teams full of superstar players with stars surrounding them. Teams have been doing the same thing LeBron did for years. The Chicago Bulls had a team of Michael Jordan, Dennis Rodman, and Scottie Pippen. For years teams had great teams filled with unbelievable talents. The teams on this list all had won championships with either multiple superstars or future hall of famers.

Detroit Pistons 2004

Starting Lineup: Ben Wallace, Rasheed Wallace, Tayshaun Prince, Richard Hamilton, Chauncey Billups

This team was one of the few in the past 10 years that did not have more than one superstar on them during the time, however they had three guys that were stars and two up and coming players. Nor did they dominate the NBA like most other teams did that have won championships, in fact they came in 2^nd in the Central. Don’t get me wrong a team of Rasheed, Chauncey, Tayshaun, Rip, and Ben were a very good team. However, the team only had one all-star that season and that was Ben Wallace. At the time Tayshaun and Rip were still guys that were figuring out their roles on a very good team, that were led by the scoring ability of Billups, the fire of Sheed, and the defensive dominance of Big Ben Wallace. This team was one that wasn’t one of like that of the Heat, but they had a team of stars not superstars and hall of famers but, a starting lineup of stars.

San Antonio Spurs 2005, 2007, 2014

Starting Lineups: 2005- Nazr Mohammed, Tim Duncan, Bruce Bowen, Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker

2007- Francisco Elson, Tim Duncan, Bruce Bowen, Michael Finely, Tony Parker

2014- Tony Parker, Tim Duncan, Kawhi Leonard, Danny Green, Tiago Splitter

If we look at these teams they were all very good with one of the best Power Forwards ever to live in Tim Duncan. Each of these Spurs teams had 2 Super Stars in Tim Duncan and Tony Parker, with Manu Ginobili being a star 6^th man. The 2005 team had a young Tony Parker, Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili each of who dominated the league, helping bring a championship to San Antonio. The 2007 had Manu coming off the bench, with Tim Duncan, Michael Finely and Tony Parker as the star starters. The 2014 championship team was one with aging superstars with Duncan, Ginobili and Parker all coming towards the end of their careers. However, the team also had some young talents with future superstar Kawhi Leonard, and key role player Danny Green and Tiago Splitter. Each of these teams had 2 players that were one of the best at their positions and Manu being a key player off the bench. These teams again prove that one superstar cannot win a championship by themselves they need other stars.

Miami Heat 2006

Starting Lineup: Shaquille O’Neil, Udonis Haslem, Antoine Walker, Dwayne Wade, Jason Williams

This team was one filled with former superstars and future hall of famers as well as players that were up and comers and future superstars. This Heat team had players like Dwayne Wade, Shaq, Alonzo Mourning, Gary Payton; four players that are Hall of Fame stars. This team was one with immense talent and strength. This was one of the best teams ever assembled, with so many veterans and so much youth and talent that they were able to get over the hump to win a championship. Key role players like Williams, Walker and the youth of Udonis Haslem, this team was able to put up one of the best seasons of all time. This was another team that was built of superstars, hall of famers, and role players. This is just like that of the new Miami Heat.

Boston Celtics 2008

Starting Lineup: Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo, Kendrick Perkins

This team is another example of superstars joining together to win a championship. This team consisted of superstar Paul Pierce; which then the Celtics proceeded to bring in two superstars in Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. With these additions the Celtics were able to get over the hump and just purely dominate the league. This was one of the best teams ever assembled with the amount of talent on the court. Three future Hall of Famers joining together to win a championship, doesn’t that sound familiar. This team also had future star Rajon Rondo as a youngster learning the ropes from 3 superstars, as well as having two very good veterans in Sam Cassell and James Posey. This team was unbelievable with so many great players on the court together there was no doubt that they would win the championship.

Los Angeles Lakers 2009 and 2010

Starting Lineups: 2009- Andrew Bynum, Pau Gasol, Trevor Ariza, Kobe Bryant, Derek Fisher

2010- Derek Fisher, Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, Kobe Bryant, Ron Artest

This team of back to back champions was one of outstanding talents, the talents needed to beat out teams like the Boston Celtics. The Lakers matched this by bringing in guys like Pau Gasol and Ron Artest. The 2009 team consisted of a very good team with mega superstar Kobe Bryant, and stars Andrew Bynum, Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol. The 2009 team was unbelievable one with stars and a superstar, but in 2010 the team would become even better, bringing in Ron Artest. This would make a team with 4 star veteran players and the superstar status in Kobe Bryant. This is another prime example of a team bringing together stars to win a championship. This is the same basic thing that the Miami Heat did to win their championship.

Look at all the teams I listed above and look at their rosters. They were teams either full of superstars or full of stars. I understand that LeBron and Chris Bosh planned this joining together of superstars and that is why there is so much hate. I also understand that LeBron broke the hearts of Cleveland fans several times. LeBron James is an immense talent and does deserve tons of respect. Though he had to join up with other superstars to get his championships does not take away from the things he has done in his career.  LeBron James gets too much hate for what he has done, though I do personally believe he has ruined basketball, he is still one of the best players of all time.

-Brett

Has Riley Cooper Reached His Ceiling?

A player having a high ceiling is a term usually saved for prospects before the draft that could eventually develop into a great player. Typically they are tremendous athletes, but have not yet grasped the necessary technical skills. Riley Cooper is entering his fifth season and he still has room to grow. At 6 foot 4 and 230 pounds Riley was a big body receiver that the Eagles wanted to take a chance on. They are still hoping it pays off. Cooper was drafted out of University of Florida where he was a two sport athlete, football and baseball. This gave him less time to improve his football talents. While he used to play for the Gators, he also looks like he should be wrestling them. He also looks more like a cowboy, rather than someone who plays against them.

The 2013 season was a breakout year for Riley Cooper. Last year he put up 47 catches, 835 yards, and 8 touchdowns. Cooper works his tail off day in and day out and earned every bit of success. Since being drafted as a late fifth round pick, each season he has consistently improved. This coming season the Eagles expect the same. The past season he was nothing special and it not all glory. He had his poor plays and dropped passes. The most crushing drop came against the Saints in the playoffs that every Eagle fan wishes they can forget about. Riley Cooper made some great catches but he was not going against top corners that knew how to fight for the ball. Number 14 for the Eagles has to be more consistent. If his mistakes disappear then the Eagles can rely on him on third down. An underrated part of his game is his first step after making the catch. It is very subtle. He knows exactly where the defender is without looking at him. Something that he has worked tirelessly on is the back shoulder fade in the end zone. We did see it work last year, but it needs to be perfected. The most improved part of his game is how he attacks the ball in the air and came down with it. Cooper is ready to take another big step-forward this coming season.

It is Chip Kelly’s second year in Philadelphia. Riley Cooper fits what Chip wants to do. Kelly’s offense demands a strong receiver who can catch the ball in traffic, which Riley can provide. Chip and cooper have a great relationship, which is evident after the contract of 5 years and $22.5 million. Riley knows he is just one player out of the entire offense. He is able to be a serviceable second wide receiver on the depth chart because he fits the offense. Riley does not have to be a star player because the offense spreads the ball around to everybody. The Eagles gave Cooper that contract because they expect him to impact the game when called upon.

Going into training camp last year, Cooper did was not listed as the second receiver until Jeremy Maclin went down with a season ending injury. This year, Cooper knows his specific role and he is able to build on last year’s success. Riley could not have flourished without Nick Foles under center. With Mike Vick as QB in the first five games, Cooper was practically not even there with having only caught eight passes. After the fifth game of the season, Cooper got a lot more passes his way because Foles stepped in. Foles and Cooper is a great tandem because of their timing and chemistry. It was developed from the past two years of being on the second team together during practice drills.

It will also be Cooper’s first season without Desean Jackson opposite of him. DeSean demanded the defense’s respect. I am sure any defensive back, even Richard Sherman, would rather cover Cooper over Jackson. However, many people do not realize Cooper had 17.8 yards per catch compared to Jackson’s 16.2 yards. Cooper is more of a deep threat than people realize. Now with Jackson gone, Cooper will get more attention. Will his numbers go down or up without Jackson? Riley’s role will likely grow without the former number 10. He will now be counted on as a go to target on crucial downs. Nick Foles will be looking for him much more in the end zone as well. Once again consistency is key for Cooper. Young players are supposed to make mistakes, not a fifth year player. Cooper better be a willing teacher because the Eagles brought in talented young WRs who will to Cooper for guidance.  The former fifth-round pick needs to play up to his size and shield the defender from the ball.

The 2013 season was not a fluke year for Riley Cooper. All of his effort and skill-set warranted those numbers and success. It is completely reasonable for the Eagles fan base to believe that Cooper is a one and done. However, do not say that he did not repeat last year’s success if Kelly gives the ball to a different player because that player was the hotter hand. My biggest gripe with him is his stupidity off the field. The Eagles better have put no country music concerts as a clause in his contract. The Eagles most talented, crowded, and competitive position is at wide receiver. Riley Cooper better improve from last year or he will see his playing time diminish.

-Glen

The Terrific Ken Giles

            I have to admit, when I first saw Ken Giles and first heard him discuss his 100 MPH fastball I thought to myself; wow this guy is cocky and needs a reality check.  I think that reality check came during his first game when he allowed a homerun, however his demeanor did not change from this. Ken Giles has gone out in 18.1 innings and has a .98 ERA. Giles has dominated almost every batter that he has faced. The Phillies may have finally scouted a player correctly, they may have finally gotten one right out of the hundreds they have got wrong. Ken Giles could be a piece with the Phillies for a long time. I have to admit since watching him that I have become less of a skeptic and more of a supporter of his ability.

           When first watching Giles one might think that he is just another live arm that will only last as long as his elbow and shoulder don't give in. However, he is much more then that. Ken Giles brings an attitude that is unmatched to the pitching mound. When he steps onto the rubber he truly thinks he is better then any batter he is facing, and Giles has proven it time and time again. Giles has not only a good strong fastball at 100 MPH, but he also has a very nice breaking ball as well. Giles seems to be keeping hitters very off balance and very unsure of themselves when they are at the plate. Ken has only allowed two runs to score in his 18+ innings of work as well as having 26 strikeouts. When Giles is on there may not be anyone better in the MLB at his job. Though he is only 23 I look at this kid and see so much potential and upside. If Giles is able to stay healthy and keep it together he may have a real future with this Phillies team.

            The only thing I hope with Ken Giles is that the Phillies don't try to do something stupid with him, like the Rangers did to Neftali Feliz (the fireball closer) who they tried turning him into a starter. This would be a big mistake if the Phillies were to try this. Giles has proven himself comfortable in the bullpen at every level. He has proven he has what it takes to save ball games and has the mind of a closer and the fireball pitching that goes along with it. With all the upside and potential that Ken Giles has, my hope is that the Phillies got this one right, and that they don't try to do something that they will regret.
-Brett