Philadelphia is such an impressive team.
I think they are where Detroit was prior to acquiring Rasheed Wallace. On the verge.
do you think getting Hawes back healthy would make the difference?
I was including Hawes in my thinking.
Without Hawes, I think Phily is just another low seed playoff caliber team.
For Philly to take that next step, I think it's Elton Brand that they need to upgrade. They need to get more out of that starting PF slot. I think they need an above average starter in his stead. The rest of the team, they have the pieces in place.
The Sixers probably won't be able to make that move this year but Elton will be a large expiring contract next season ($18mil). They might be able to move him then. I'd love to see them land Paul Millsap. Maybe offer up two future first round picks and Brand's expiring contract for Millsap + salary makeweight. Or Serge Ibaka or a Josh Smith. A couple of different directions they could go in.
I also think they'll need to wait until next season for some of their young players to get more experience. This is a growing year. Especially Vucevic who should become one of the top backup centers in the league next year.
Very impressed with what Philadelphia have done this season and over the past 2-3 years. Especially since Doug Collins and Rod Thorn came on board.