2005 Philadelphia 76ers Preview

At the time of publish the NBA regular season is around the corner. What better way to get you locked and loaded for a winning season than a free season preview from Maddux Sports. We remind you that MadduxSports.com is an expert NBA handicapper and offers NBA Picks against the point spread. For more information on this years basketball package click here. Onto the individual team preview for this years Philadelphia 76ers.

2005 Philadelphia 76ers Team Preview

It may seem as if there are two star veterans on the Philadelphia 76ers—Allen Iverson and Chris Webber—and then everyone else. But there are other vital elements on this team, including center Samuel Dalembert, forward Andre Iguodala, and head coach Maurice Cheeks.

The 6’ 11” Dalembert has become an effective shot blocker and a solid rebounder, while Iguodala offers fine defense at one end of the court and fast-break capability down to the other end. Dalembert and Iguodala averaged 9.0 and 8.2 points per game respectively last season. They’re important parts of the 76ers’ winning equation.

As significant as these two players may be, they still pale in the light shed by Iverson and Webber. Webber provides sound shooting, good ball handling, and consistent rebounding. But he is in no way expected to be the equal of Iverson. Which makes sense since there are very few players who can match up to the fiery point producing machine.

Allen Iverson scored 28.3% of Philadelphia’s points in 2004-05; that was highest in the league. There’s no doubt that Iverson plays hard and plays to win. But he’s not the easiest player to coach and he’s apparently not aware that there really is no “I” in team. Can Iverson give up being the center of the 76ers universe if it means giving the club a better chance to be successful? Coach Maurice Cheeks is certainly hoping the answer is “yes.”

Cheeks, a Philadelphia institution whose popularity is probably only rivaled by Rocky and the Liberty Bell, will want Iverson to share the basketball a lot more than he has in the past. Sure it means his points per game will probably dip to around 25 instead of the stellar 30.7. During his years as an assistant coach, Cheeks has had a good rapport with Iverson. If that can continue and they can find common ground, Cheeks will find his job a whole lot easier. Prior to the 2005-06 season—Cheeks spent three successful seasons with the Portland Trailblazers. This is his first time as a head coach in the City of Brotherly Love.

For more information on the 2005 Philadelphia 76ers Team, click here to visit their official team website.