First Game, First Loss

I didn't find the need to give a preseason projection of the Sixers because of the overwhelming consensus that they will be a mediocre to bad team. This is expected and we cannot get mad about it. This team will struggle throughout the course of the season. They do not have a true identity and that is something people look for. They aren't known for offensive flash, defensive lockdown, fast-breaks, shooter's touch, etc. They have people that can exhibit those various qualities but no overall team identity. They have young talent that is developing and need to focus on making sure everyone matures and grows during the season. Cheer for them to win because that is the best way for this team to grow - to experience ups and downs and fighting in the 4th and holding leads etc.

That being said, I enjoyed the opnener last night. I was watching for a couple things in particular: how Dalembert looked back from injury, what role Reggie Evans played, how Jason Smith did, and minor other things that will take time to sort out. Specifically I wanted to see if the team as a whole looked like they knew it was the first game and played that way. Had the coaching staff prepared them well enough? We knew the constants - that Miller would do his thing, that Iguodala would have his typical numbers with probable increase in turnovers, and that Korver would do his typical thing that I really embrace off the bench. Those were spot on. Getting back to the others, I found I was impressed with Jason Smith as a whole. Yes, he missed cuts and was overwhelmed at points but I liked his effort and his ability to adjust and keep fighting. By the end of the year, we will be happy we got him and he will gain much more this season than Thaddeus Young. Dalembert was his typical self, taking a few ill-advised jumpers that are not his game, blocking shots, and playing with energy but I was a little worried he might not be ready to be back. Remember Marc Jackson's stress fracture a few years ago? It took him a while to come back. Hopefully this isn't something that lingers because I want him out there and I want him commanding the paint and stepping up. Reggie Evans I loved. Finally we have a pure rebounder that has that nose for the ball. Amazing how he has 15 rebounds in 22 mins of play. I can guarantee I'll be marveling at his rate all year. The only thing is that he's probably best suited for 22 mins off the bench and not in a starter's role. Overall, nice comeback, effort, and sharing of the ball. the only problem was what happened to get them behind so much so fast. Was it lapse of judgment? Mismatches? Poor shooting? Hard to say. This teams will struggle for stretches in games all year. I just hope they have the will and the determination to fight through it and bear down and develop for the future.