When NBA talk gets around to the Philadelphia 76ers, for most folks it’s a short conversation that can be summed up in two words:
Andrew Bynum.
The prize piece in Philadelphia’s end of the four-team summer blockbuster involving Dwight Howard has yet to play for the 76ers due to bone bruises and weakened cartilage in both knees.
Over the weekend, Sixers GM Tony DiLeo announced that Bynum is out indefinitely with no timetable for his return. It is quite possible that Bynum – a free agent next summer – may not play at all this season.
That has folks in Philly lamenting bad trades of the past – deals that sent away Moses Malone, Charles Barkley and Allen Iverson, which were immediately followed by rebuilding stages.
But that hasn’t deterred the Sixers. Over the weekend, they took the Oklahoma City Thunder to overtime before being done in by a hailstorm of 3-pointers. Less than 24 hours later, they bounced back for a win over Phoenix behind 33 points and 13 assists from point guard Jrue Holiday, who is a strong candidate for Most Improved Player.
In this clip with Cinesport’s Brian Clark, I discuss how the Sixers are hanging in without their big man. We also talk about the surprising Charlotte Bobcats and sensational rookie point guard Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers.