S4G rates for the season (IV): front court

Time to finish my rates with our big men

I am writing these BS.. pardon, lines, while waiting for the lottery draft, let’s hope the first italian Sixers blog brings some good luck, and that we can land another quality big man, God knows how much we need him. So:

SAM DALEMBERT

As soon as I was about to quit on our starting center (here pictured in a funny mismatch), he started playing really good.

So much for my basketball knowledge…

He really had a nice season, and finally showed some real improvements. Impressive the one from the free throw line, where he ended with an excellent 74% . Better than, say, Willie Green’s 66%…

Sam finished with 11 + 9 + 2, with 54% FG. Also reduced his fouls (!). Started being consistent, built a nice jumper from middle range. Put a strong, rebounding PF beside him and we’re ok for the next 2-3 years.

A good addition for my fantasy team, too.

Rate: 7

STEVEN HUNTER

The fact that Sixers actually improved with Steven Hunter in the starting line up tells us a lot about how much we sucked….

Nothing against him, but he would be nothing than a 15 minutes back up center for any serious NBA team. In Philly, he had to start. Another Ollie case, I say.

Perhaps the poorest rebounder inch-by-inch I have ever seen. Yes, very athletic, yes a good shot blocker, yes, a center who can fill the lanes on a fast break.

But bad defender and awful from the free throw line, which is something I really hate (each of us has his own fetish, right?). 

Rate: 6

JOE SMITH

Nice surprise,  I have to admit.

I thought he was done when he came back to Philly in the Iverson trade, and saw him only as an expriring contract. Now I would be ok with extending that contract (for cheap, ok? But it depends also on the ping pong bolls… we’ll see in few minutes). 

He showed he can still play: a decent defender, decent rebounder, can hit big shots, makes his free throws.

Good locker room presence, they say. I have to believe that, savy veterans are much needed in a young team. A keeper in my book. Not for Derrick Coleman’s money, though. What about 2 years, 5 mill?

Rate: 7

CHRIS WEBBER

A total asshole in Philly, very good in Detroit. I blame Cheeks more than him for this, but he has to take his part.

Let’s hope Duncan kicks his ass in the Finals, he definitely doesn’t deserve a ring. And this coming from a fan of him (well, at least I USED to be one)

Rate: 4 

ALAN HENDERSON

Not bad for a 11th man, he had some good games whene the team was depleted. Larry Brown would have loved him and given him a 5 years deal. Ah, veterans…

Rate: 6

SHAVLIK RANDOLPH

Was doing pretty good before he went down, but in a team that was a total mess, so I would wait a little bit longer before saying he’s worth something. He showed some pride and will to fight, I loved the attitude.

Let’s hope he can recover after that terrible injury. If Willie Green did it… (damn, this was bad…)

Rate: 6

End of a four posts report.

(Previous ones: GM and coach – Back court – Swingmen)