Semi-Somnolent

The 76ers have looked only semi-somnolent lately (the Flyers are in a coma)- winning six of ten, despite only being favored in a pair. It is evidence that they have not packed it in. Sure, Philadelphia is still a long way from good, but they might be closer to .500 than we think- particularly with three first round draft picks on tap, which ought to address their crippling lack of depth if nothing else. In fact, with a healthy club, playing a lot of home games here on out, that seems engaged, I bet they play within a couple games of .500 from January 19 forward.

Here on “Frank Helps You Think It Out” is one scribe who loves Andre Miller. It is amazing how far a competent NBA point guard goes toward making the coach a genius. A month ago Mo Cheeks had a team that couldn’t run a set play, control tempo, get a decent possession under time pressure or develop young players. Now they are probably a plus at all four things. In a month.

I can’t say how much it matters that Andre Miller decided to come in here with a good attitude. Boy, did that trade Miller for more future pieces talk come to an abrupt halt on what? This is the NBA- where competent players in ball distribution roles with team first attitudes are darned hard to find.

It is amazing how Igoudala and Dalembert have progressed offensively now that someone gives them ball consistently where they can do something with it- that caters to their game, gives them shots- rather than having to hustle for odd looks at inconsistent times. It seems to have paid off on Dalembert’s defense as well. Frankly, he looks more confident, more engaged- almost hopeful.

The fact that Kyle Korver lags his companions is continuing proof that he is just not a good NBA player. I don’t care how many articles the Sixers ply about his improving defense- he can’t defend a legit scorer at all, he is not out there to defend so who cares if he improves marginally, the Sixers can’t hide him from scorers on the wings fast enough and bottom line: he is here to make jump shots. He hasn’t been doing that lately, and he’s not improving. One of those three picks this summer better be a shooter- because the Sixers don’t have an NBA one.