In Defense Of Dalembert

I myself have been harsh at times over the play of Samuel Dalembert. As a Sixer fan, can you really blame me? He was given a large contract that many felt overstated his value and he is currently the highest paid player on the team. Many people complain over his court awareness, discipline, seeming lack of go-to moves, and general basketball IQ, but it's hard to argue the Sixers are better off without him. He definitely changes the game when he is on the floor because of his shotblocking ability. One of the easier things to do as a "shotblocker" is rotate from the weak side to block a shot - the opponent doesn't account for you rolling over. This is how Dalembert racks up most of his blocks and that's fine because you start to make the opponent coming into the lane think about you and alter their shot. Good centers have this effect on opponents. It's even better when you can guard your man straight up and block his shot if he pulls up for a jumper. Against Minnesota, Dalembert had 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 blocks - those blocks coming in a variety of methods and the final one turning away a possible tying basket with 15 seconds left. Sammy also shot 5-8 from the field and was 8-8 from the line.

My point is that it's time for most fans to start looking closer at Dalembert and stop accusing him of the faults that you did a couple of years back. He has progressed but most people are not paying attention this year to notice. The Sixers are an absolutely better team with him on the floor. He does not make me half as nervous when he pulls up for a 10-footer or backs down a man in the lane and floats a turnaround hook shot. I won't sit and argue that every night he justifies his contract, but on this team - a team who will be $15 million under the cap this summer - what is the big issue? He's not dead weight. He's not sitting the bench injured and making a fortune. He's contributing nightly. Consider this comparison:

S. Dalembert $10.25mill / 11.2ppg / 8.9rpg / 2.5blk pg / .54FG%
Jermaine O'Neal $19.73mill / 15.3ppg / 7.9rpg / 1.6blk pg / .44FG%

Now I know O'Neal is relied on more in that offense and has been banged up but who would you rather have for the money? It may be time for more people to give Dalembert a new chance.