Can Sixers Play Championship D?

[SJboy59]

Without a doubt the Sixers should average over 100 points a game with the addition of Brand. In fact, they averaged over 100 points in going 24-14 to close out last season. It's easy to see that number getting to 103. But defense wins championships. Points is a difficult way to measure defense since teams play such different tempos. Of course rebounding percentages and net turnovers are important, but the FG% allowed is a pretty good proxy for comparing teams.

Take a look at the "final four" from the last five years in the NBA and their FG% allowed:
2008
Celtics 0.419
Lakers 0.445
Pistons 0.437
Spurs 0.444

2007
Spurs 0.443
Cavs 0.448
Pistons 0.445
Jazz 0.455

2006
Heat 0.440
Mavs 0.443
Pistons 0.452
Suns 0.454

2005
Spurs 0.427
Pistons 0.430
Heat 0.427
Suns 0.445

2004
Pistons 0.413
Lakers 0.440
Pacers 0.432
Twolves 0.414

Are the Sixers going to be better defensively this year with the changes in personnel and possible changes in position? Can they get from middle of the pack in FG% (46%) to 42-43%? I'd like to hear your thoughts...

Just a fun fact. I know that PPG is not the best measure of defense but the 2001 Sixers that made the finals had a 42-7 record when they scored 90 or more points in the regular season.

[The Guilty Party]

I believe the team is capable of playing championship D however, if and when they match up against a team in the playoffs who can also play top notch D, I'm more than concerned about our inability to hit jump shots from 17+ feet on a consistent basis. In the end, I think the jump shot (or lack of one) will be what does us in.

PS: Where's your "Welcome Me" thread??
Good first post!

[TheAnalyst]

PS: Where's your "Welcome Me" thread??
Good first post!

Is this a knock against my first post? lol

I think we can play Championship D. I can just remember us stifling opponents forcing turnovers last year. Elton is also a solid defender that will only add to it. Thad and Iggy can handle and wings and Sam, Reggie and Brand should match up well with any front line.

[tk76]

I expect this board will continue to grow now that Brand is making the team relevant again. Seems like most of the new posters are good ones.

The Sixers could have the makings of a great defense if Barnd returns to form. The froncourt of Sam/Brand should be good on the boards and closing down the lane. Young/Iguodla have the potential to be an elite SG/SF defensive tandem with their length and quickness- but it might take a year for Young to adjust to guarding the wing. Also, I wonder if Iguodala will have problems keeping in front of smaller SG's like Wade (of course who can stay in front of Wade?)

They could be a great defensive team, but I doubt they will be until they gel later in the season. The following year, hopefully it all comes together.

[The Guilty Party]

Is this a knock against my first post? lol

It was a minor jab but totally in a friendly way.

I do believe you've set a helluva precedent for new posters though. Most new guys make a thread like, "New to the Board" or "Hello....".

You have established the "Welcome Me" thread which is both ballsy and hilarious.

[Dedicated_76ers_fan]

You know, everytime I read the post "When Brand returns to form" I get REALLY irritated. It's almost as if he didn't play those 8 games and had a solid 17/9 run. You can say "If J'O'Neal returns to form" and that's understandable since he's injury prone. But this is Brand's first serious injury and he came off of it pretty damn nicely for my likings.

This front court(Sammy/Brand/Thad) is projected to average 5 BPG. The Back Court(Miller/Iggy) is projected to average 3 steals a contest. And one of the most important aspects of defensive basketball is rebounding. I think Sixers fans should know better then anyone, it doesn't matter to play good defense if the opponent gets an extra possession on offense. With Daly/Brand/Evans/Thad in the front court and Iggy gets a few boards too. We will grab rebounds hard and we will limit teams to one shot on offense.

As for our shooting woes. A Post up player doesn't just open up shooting lanes, he opens up driving lanes. Iguodala and Miller will be very successful with Elton Brand downlow. And a positive of having a back court that pressures the ball. And a shotblocking trio like we got. Is that we'll be able to run the floor very significantly. I think of this team is a mini Redeem Team that's at Bejing. That's how much confidence I have in them. We will win 54-60 games. I predicted it and am sticking with it untill it becomes mathematically impossible.

[76ciology]

I'm more concerned if they can play not championship O, but even just for a top 4 team in the East kind of O.