Apter Hours
So Long Sammy
www.phillysportsport.blogspot.com
By Brandon Apter

It is about time. It was long overdue. Samuel Dalembert has been tradedto the Kings for Andres Nocioni and Spencer Hawes. Now, I do appreciate the good years that Sammy had here in Philadelphia but the truth is, he never really fit and it is a shame it took the Sixers so long to notice it.

Dalembert, going into the final year of a six year contract, averged 8.1 ppg, 9.6 rebounds and 1.8 blocks. Dominating numbers?...Not by any means. The 76ers drafted Dalembert in the first round all the way back in 2001 out of Seton Hall. The team expected him to become an elite center but he could just not find the consistency. Although, I do not really think the merry-go-round of new coaches helped that much either. Two seasons ago, Dalembert asked the Sixers to trade him butt hey did not, so he went about his business and put up semi-solid numbers. Bottom line is, he did not get the job done along with the rest of the team. Sam career in Philly ends with him having started 491 of his 582 career games where he averaged 8.1 points, 8.3rebounds and 1.9 blocked shots. Dalembert’s best season came in2007-2008, when he averaged 10.5 points and 10.4 rebounds.

With Dalembert gone, that leaves the center spot open. Spencer Hawes started 59 games for the kings last year and averaged 10 points and a little over six boards per game. He is still playing on his rookie option on his contract as well. So does Hawes get the nod or does Elton Brand move to the five spot? As i see it, pending the draft pick...Jrue Holiday would start at the point, possible Evan Turner at the two guard, Iggy at small forward, Thad Young at power forward and either Hawes or Brand at center. Either way, you will probably get solid numbers from these two, not to mention Marreese Speights on the bench as well. I think this move definitely improves this starting five but if you ask me, I think Hawes should be put in there to start at center. I always found Brand to be a very "soft"player and just like him better coming off of the bench.

Andres Nocioni was also acquired in the deal. He has two guaranteed years left on his contract and at 31, Nocioni adds another veteran presence to the team. Although last season was not his best, Andres averaged 8.5ppg,which is the lowest since his rookie year. For most of his career, he had averaged double-digits in points, so hopefully the move to Phillywill spark that.

All in all, it is nice to finally get Dalembertout of here. As someone who still goes to games, the Philly fans never seemed to warm up around Dalembert, but you cannot really blame them.Hawes will hopefully be slotted as the starting center, with Brand and Speights to back up and Nocioni will be a contributor down the stretch.

So far, so good for the Sixers this off season. Doug Collins was a great choice as coach and finally trading Dalembert really was a long time coming. The draft is up next for the Sixers, where they will hopefully grab Evan Turner with the second overall pick. Am I sounding too positive about these Sixers?...Maybe, but I don't think they can go anywhere but up after last season.