So everybody knows that the Sixers are drafting a point guard, right?  I saw this post on philly.com today that I found pretty interesting:

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/20090619_Intriguing_speculation_surrounding_Sixers__Ohio_State_7-footer.html

I had actually been thinking about this for a while, and I'm curious to see what everybody else thinks.  The book on Mullens seems to be that he has the potential to be a top 5 pick... but not till next year or the year after.  While it's true that the Sixers need a point guard, they also need a center.  The only "true" center on the roster is Sam Dalembert, who everybody (including him) wants to be traded.  Speights, Brand and Smith could all techinically play the 5, but I don't think any of them would be particularly good at it.  Speights could eventually be a good center, but he's a long way off now, and with his shooting range, he's better suited to play the 4.  Mullens would be a bit of a project, but the same thing was said about Thad Young, and is turning out pretty well.

Obviously the Sixers would still need a point guard.  I wouldn't be terribly opposed to getting a guy like Ramon Sessions -- I think he could be pretty good, and maybe could be had for the MLE.  Conversely, Lou Williams could see extended minutes at the point.  The consensus is that he can't do it, but technically he's never been in that role.  The upside to that is that you finally know, one way or another, whether Lou can be your point guard.  If he can't, then the Sixers probably miss the playoffs and have to go after a PG for next year... but is that any worse than getting booted in 6 in the first round?  Is the ceiling that much higher with a rookie point guard?  One way or another, the Sixers need a PG and a center.  Drafting Mullens could provide outsized value for the pick down the road, but would make us worse in the short term.  I for one am not totally against it, but I don't really know a ton about college players other than what I see on draft websites.  What do you guys think?

Like most Sixers fans, I've been doing a lot of thinking about the future of this team after their embarassing dismissal from the playoffs at the hands of J.J. Redick and the Polish Hammer.  A lot of signs are pointing to a shakeup of the roster and a new coach in the coming weeks and months.  And, not surprisingly, a good deal of heat has been leveled at the team's leader: Andre Iguodala.  Frankly, after Iggy's disappearing act against the Pistons in last year's playoffs and some questions about his attitude, a lot of it is deserved.  Deserved or not, though, the word is out there: Andre Iguodala can't lead his team to playoff victories.  But the question I've been asking myself is this: Is it really Andre's team?

It's all well and good to say that he's the team leader, but that's just a phrase.  The more important question going into this offseason is whether the team is set up for Iguodala to lead it to success.  Remember Jerry Jones talking about making the Cowboys more "Romo friendly" when they ditched T.O earlier this year?  Well, looking at the Sixers roster this year, it was certainly not Iguodala friendly.

The fact of the matter is that Andre Iguodala is a "slasher."  He is going to his points on drives to the basket and the resulting free throws (you know, assuming he hits them...).  While he has greatly improved his mid-range jumper, and I no longer feel sick to my stomach when I see him hoist a 3, he's not turning into Ray Allen anytime soon.  No matter what you think of him, Igoudala is not going to win games with his jumper, at least not on a consistent basis.  And the truth is, that isn't the end of the world.

So, let's say that going forward, the focal point of the Sixers offense is going to be AI2.  The obvious way to limit, or outright stop a player who needs to drive to the basket is to clog the lane, and force him to settle for jumpers.  In previous years, teams were able to use this strategy to contain LeBron James, who is probably the best basketball player in the world.  The way to deal with this is to surround your star with shooters who can space the floor, and allow the driving player to get to the cup.  In the case of a player like Iggy (or King James) who is an excellent passer, these complimentary players can also do major damage off the wide open jumpers they'll see.  Which is why it makes so much sense for the Sixers starting guards to be.... Andre Miller and Willie Green?!?!?! *cartoon record screeching sound*

This team is at a crossroads.  I think this offseason, it's time to for the front office to make a stand on this.  If Iguodala is your guy, it's time to start arranging your roster as such (which will also help Elton Brand in the post, by the way).  If not, it's probably time to start listening to those trade offers.  I'd be interested to know whay you guys' thoughts are on this.