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Philadelphia 76ers Despite uncertainty, Sixers should be among Eastern elite
Updated: Thursday October 04, 2001 8:02 PM
By Marty Burns, CNNSI.com For a team that made it to the Finals a year ago, the Sixers sure faced a turbulent offseason. First, head coach Larry Brown considered retiring before deciding to return for a fifth season. Then president Pat Croce resigned after losing a power struggle with top management. Finally, power forward Tyrone Hill was traded to the Cavaliers. Despite the uncertainty, Philadelphia should be back among the top contenders. After all, the Sixers still have reigning MVP Allen Iverson and the rest of their Finals core: Dikembe Mutombo, Aaron McKie, George Lynch and Eric Snow. The addition of small forward Matt Harpring, acquired from the Cavs in the Hill trade, and point guard Speedy Claxton, back after missing all of last season with a torn ACL, should only make Philly more potent.
Philly's biggest concern will be to find a starting power forward to replace Hill, whose lackluster postseason made him expendable. Matt Geiger has the size and shooting touch to earn the job, but his chronic injuries make him less than dependable. Robert Traylor and Jerome Moiso also will get a look, but neither has shown consistency. The Sixers hope the addition of Harpring and Claxton will add to their somewhat one-dimensional offense. With Iverson (right elbow) and McKie (right shoulder) both sitting out the preseason with injuries, they will soon find out. Either way, Philly has the talent and coaching to successfully defend its Eastern crown. Standout Stat: 4 Minimum number of weeks Allen Iverson will have to rehab his elbow following arthroscopic surgery.
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