Atlantic 3: Philadelphia 76ers

WHERE THEY LEFT OFF: Philadelphia's season ended with a disappointing loss in six games to the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference semifinals. In that series, the Sixers lost three games that could have gone either way.

Immediately after the season, Larry Brown stepped down as head coach allowed to walk away from the team with two years remaining on his contract General Manager Billy King went on a major job search that included Maurice Cheeks, Jeff Van Gundy, and Tubby Smith. King settled for Randy Ayers, the former Ohio State head coach who spent six years as Brown's assistant.

NEW FACES: King pulled off a major de over the summer that gave the Sixers Marc Jackson and Glenn "Big Dog" Robinson, strengthening Philadelphia's frontcourt. Robinson will give Philly a solid second scoring option, and adding Jackson could be huge--the 6'10", 270-pounder will play power forward and center for the Sixers as help for 36-year-old Derrick Coleman. Jackson is capable of taking a pounding at center and will cut down on Coleman's minutes in the middle.

ON THE COURT: Philadelphia has plenty of experience in the backcourt with Iverson, McKie, and Snow--the trio has been together for six years. Re-signing Kenny Thomas and Coleman provides the Sixers with two players who can score, rebound, and play multiple positions.

The Sixers' biggest weakness has been outside shooting in recent years, but relief is on the way: Robinson has the ability to knock down the 18-to-20 foot shot more consistently than any Sixer in recent memory.

Philly has always been known for its defense, and that certainly won't change under Ayers. In addition to defense and increased versatility, the Sixers play clean ball and won't beat themselves with turnovers.

OFF THE COURT: If the Sixers could have landed Keon Clark in the four-team trade that brought them Robinson and Jackson, it would have provided them with some additional versatility in the form of front court depth, Unfortunately, the Sixers couldn't extend the deal to five teams.

WHY THEY WILL FINISH THIRD: Right now, the New Jersey Nets look dominant and the Orlando Magic are coming on fast. But the Sixers should be in the hunt, as usual. Iverson is coming off a great Tournament of the Americas and shouldn't have as much pressure on him with the acquisition of Robinson.

ON THE SPOT

THIS IS RANDY AYERS' FIRST HEAD coaching job in the NBA, and Ayers follows Larry Brown, a Hall of Fame coach, who carried the Philadelphia 76ers to five consecutive playoff appearances and led the Sixers to the NBA Finals in 2001.

On paper, it would appear the Sixers are better than last year with the additions of Marc Jackson and Glenn Robinson. So Ayers' biggest task is to get everyone on the same page and blend all this talent around Allen Iverson.

PROBABLE STARTING LINEUP

POS.   PLAYER                                   KEY STATS

PG     Eric Snow              12.9 ppg, 6.6 apg, 1-62 spg
       Found his shot to the tune of 45% in 2002-03.
SG     Allen Iverson          27.6 ppg, 5.5 apg, 2.74 spg
       Another 82-game season from AI is crucial.
SF     Glenn Robinson *        20.8 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 3.0 apg
       Hard to see Big Dog and Al both finding enough shots.
PF     Kenny Thomas **        10.1 ppg. 8.0 rpg, 46.5% FG
       An active bruiser with nice upside.
C      Derrick Coleman         9.4 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 1.08 bpg
       Redeemed himself with a solid postseason.

* In 69 games with Atlanta. ** Includes 20 games with Houston.

                           TOP RESERVES

SF     Aaron McKie              9.0 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 3.5 apg
       Philly's Mr. Everything slides back to the bench.
SF     Greg Buckner            6.0 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 0.96 spq
       Defense-first mindset fits well with these Sixers.
C      Marc Jackson (^)      5.5 ppg. 2.9 rpg, 43.8% FG
       Back home, he could play is way into the starting five.

(^) In 77 games with Minnesota

           2002-03 SEASON LEADERS

Scoring                       Allen Iverson, 27.6 ppg
Rebounding                 Kenny Thomas (^^), 8.5 rpg
Assists                            Eric Snow, 6.6 apg
Blocked shots               Derrick Coleman, 1.08 bpg
Steals                        Allen Iverson, 2.74 spg

(^^) In 46 games with Philadelphia.

COPYRIGHT 2003 Century Publishing
COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group