HoopWatch

Reports have stated that Philadelphia 76ers fans are hoping that Philly loose some more and be at the bottom of the standings at the end of the season to get a crack at next year’s top draft pick. Well, currently, they are at the bottom at 5-19 (just above the Charlotte Bobcats who are at 6-18), and are currently in a 12-game loosing streak. Wow! They have lost 19 of their last 21 games. Another wow!

Now that Allen Iverson has left Philadelphia for good, and with Chris Webber injured (again, and as expected), the 76ers need to find a way to end their slump. They were surprisingly at the top during the first three weeks of the season, thanks to a renewed defense. But good things just never last. Iverson reportedly asked for a trade, and last played for the Sixers last December 6 in a loss to Chicago.

They lost their last game the other night to the Indiana Pacers. Jermaine O’Neal fueled a late Pacer run to cap a 101-93 win. O’Neal had 34 points and 11 rebounds. Stephen Jackson, who started that run with a 20-footer, added 25.

Kyle Korver and Andre Iguodala led Philadelphia with 20 points apiece. The Sixers put a valiant effort behind center Samuel Dalembert 16-points-and-11-rebound production. Willie Green added 16 points as well.

Chris Webber missed his third game due to a strained ankle. He is listed as day-to-day.

The organization needs to find a way to win again, and move on after that Iverson trade. I think it’s too early yet to focus on the future. They have the tools to be a respectable team, and not let go of their playoff chances. The season still has a long way to go and they have an outside chance to make it. They also need to learn how to play without Webber, since the guy is just so injury-prone. Korver, Iguodala, Dalember and rookie Rodney Carney should team up to bring back that winning attitude now that they have a pass-first point guard in Andre Miller. I can’t wait to see him in action. Things may be beginning to get interesting in Philly. (pic courtesy of yahoonba.com)