Andrew Unterberger, who also scribbles for The Basketball Jones, digitally sat me down for an interview a few days ago and it's now up on The 700 Level. Andrew asks some pretty great questions which I think got some decent responses I kind of wasn't expecting to give.
Here's an excerpt from the full article:
Did you like their off-season strategy of basically just getting the band back together?
For what they're trying to do, it was absolutely the right move. They're all about continuity and chemistry and all of those buzz words. So keeping the team together was integral to their continued success. But in terms of a championship, no, I still don't think this team is anywhere close to contending, even though I may be leaning the other way more than I was last time we spoke.
And an early prediction...
So I know it's still early, but you called it perfectly last year—what do you think of the team's post-season prospects? Will they win a first-round series, at least?
I've been really going back and forth on it because I'm so blown away that Boston and New York aren't better. But if I had to guess, I really think that Boston will win the division. Maybe it's just history telling me things I can't un-hear. But in spite of their oldness, I can't imagine they don't make a big run at the division. Either way, I'm penciling the Sixers around 3-4-5 seed and a playoff win.
You're giving them the win?
Yeah, I say they get it this year. But then they'll run into Miami or Chicago and get steamrolled. And, just like last year, people will scream for improvement and no trades/improvements/anythings will happen.
Head over there to check out the full article. It's pretty long so you may want to wear some protection, but the 700 Level is basically royalty so any time we get a chance to talk to them, I'm excited.
Also, last year I perfectly called finishing in the 7th seed and losing 4-1 in the first round against the Heat. I forgot about that until Andrew reminded me. Cool.
0 recs | 16 comments
I’m a bit confused. When did you make you’re 5 game Heat loss prediction? Going into the playoffs? If you actually picked a 7 seed Sixers losing to a 2 seed Miami well before that time, you need to get to Vegas.
Blunt Philly Guy - January 24, 2012 via iPhone app
It was around midseason last year.
Michael Levin - January 24, 2012
Given the across the board improvement by this team (look at PER ratings this year compared to last) a wait and see approach seems warranted. With additional development of the “under 25ers” plus Brand (and maybe Iggy) coming off the books, the Sixers will have a real opportunity to sign a stud. All these trade rumors that include getting rid of ET (which would be the opposite of buy low sell high) or Jrue (same here) are catigorically insane. If you’re going to trade someone today it’s Lou Williams, Brand and Iggy, or alternatively, field a competitive team, and wait 2 years for cap space to free up and your young players to mature. This team is about to post a 3-4 seed and a first round win with what they have, and it’s been so long since the sixers were competitive, I think “screaming for change” is rediculous, even if we get steam rolled by Miami (poor match-up) or Chicago (who we match up well against if Hawes is legit)
Supra98x - January 24, 2012
LOL
Iggy is not going to be traded
Dan Pearson - January 24, 2012
What's so funny smart ass?
No where did I say he will be traded, I was commenting on the concept of not selling when a player is under-performing…actually if you read my whole post, you’d see I advocate for not trading anyone and just sticking with the current team until the contracts run their course.
Supra98x - January 24, 2012
sure
but either approach, i don’t think you trade iggy, who is a valuable player to the sixers whether they blow up the team or keep things steady until they can unload Brand
Dan Pearson - January 24, 2012
News Flash
If Hawes is 100% this team isn’t getting steamrolled by anyone.
BrandonB - January 24, 2012
You’re really putting a lot of faith in somebody who were a below average center prior to this nice 12 game run.
Derek Bodner - January 24, 2012
s/were/was
Derek Bodner - January 24, 2012
+1 …. It’s not just if Hawes is healthy, it’s really if he’s healthy AND legit, which is admitably a big AND at this point.
Supra98x - January 24, 2012
I know, it just sounded better the way I put it. However, you could make the argument that even if Hawes is healthy and regresses to even just average, the Sixers would not be steamrolled by Miami or Chicago (although certainly not a favorite).
BrandonB - January 24, 2012
I also have to remind you ...
You and I made a bet that the Sixers would finish better than the Wizards last year. You thought they’d make the 7 seed and “give Orlando a tough time”. You owe me 5 internet dollars.
Jordan Sams - January 24, 2012
The Wizards that is.
Jordan Sams - January 24, 2012
NOT LISTENING NOT LISTENING NOT LISTENING
Michael Levin - January 24, 2012
that completely negates any points he gets for predicting the Sixers finish.
Derek Bodner - January 24, 2012
When’s the next not a podcast?
KJ Brophy - January 24, 2012
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