July 11, 2008

Yesterday I wrote an article about how the Philadelphia 76ers were on the
outside looking in as they pursued free agent power forward Elton Brand.

Turns out, I was wrong, but can you blame me for my pessimism?

The 76ers franchise has been one of malaise, even when Allen Iverson ruled the town. Big-time players didn’t want to come here, nor could they because of the salary cap situation the Sixers were under.  Beyond even signing big names, who could co-exist with Iverson on the court?  Keith Van Horn, Jerry Stackhouse, Glenn Robinson and Chris Webber all failed in some way or another.

The Iverson era ended two seasons ago, as they shipped him off to Denver.  With him went the old identity of a worn-down and defective team, something Billy King may have had his hand in.

The new guard is led by General Manager Ed Stefanski formerly of the New Jersey Nets. Big Eddie wasted no time jumping into uncharted territory, as he made a big splash in a pool that at one time held very little water.

Elton Brand was brought in to Philadelphia, going back on his word that he would remain with the Los Angeles Clippers. Instead Brand is coming back to the east coast where he was raised.

A five-year, $82 million deal did the trick, and just like that, the Sixers became relevant again.

What does this signing do for the Eastern Conference, you might ask? 

Well for one, it puts Philadelphia on the map as someone with a shot at contending.  It also gives the east another ex-patriot from the Western Conference, joining fellow power forward Kevin Garnett in the Atlantic Division.

Most importantly, it means the east is in the midst of a shakeup as they try to bridge the two decade-long gap with the west.

No, the Sixers may not instantly take over as the number-two team behind the Boston Celtics.  However, the seeds have been planted for their to be an all out war for supremacy in what was once known as the “Leastern Conference.”

Beyond Philadelphia, many teams in the east are turning it around piece by piece.  The Miami Heat, the 2006 World Champions if you have forgotten already, are attempting to do a quick 180 after last years joke of a season.  They now have a big four of Wade, Beasley, Marion and new point guard Mario Chalmers.

The Toronto Raptors had a big draft night as they scored Jermaine O’Neal from the Indiana Pacers.  He will team up with fellow big man Chris Bosh, forming an elite one-two punch north of the border.

Mickael Pietrus has signed with the already dangerous Orlando Magic, giving them the perimeter defense they sorely lacked while gaining another outside shooting threat.

Chicago drafted Derrick Rose, the Bucks traded for Richard Jefferson and the Wizards retained their two stars, Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison.  Everyone still fears Detroit and Cleveland as well.

The Eastern Conference last year provided us with 10 teams who were at .500 or worse. Three of those teams made the playoffs. 

Ugly.

But now the tide is shifting and the east is once again showing signs of life.

The team with the highest pulse rate is Philadelphia.  They added the low post presence they sorely needed, and someone who can help them in their half-court set. Philly’s offense will still run around like chickens with their heads cut off from time to time, but now there is more of a purpose on the offensive end.  They also will match up well against larger frontcourts, something that became quite an issue last year.

It’s an exciting time to be a 76ers fan.  Nobody could have predicted a playoff berth last year, as the team had their bags packed and ready for another trip to the lottery.

Undoubtedly, the stakes will be much higher this year. Elton Brand will bring a newfound confidence to the city, something that has been absent since the 2001 finals. He also opens up options now that weren’t there just 48 hours ago.

The Sixers should be quite a force this upcoming year, but on top of that, it’s going to be a tight finish in the Eastern Conference.

So while the melancholy of the fans turns to instant satisfaction in Philly, there is still work to do. 

Because the east is becoming quite the beast.