PHILADELPHIA -- Samuel Dalembert is coming off a breakout season, averaging a double-double for the first time in his seven-year career.
Dalembert, who averaged 10.5 points, 10.4 rebounds and 2.34 blocks per game, said he has even bigger goals for this season, like making his first All-Star team.
Despite rarely having plays run for him, Dalembert said he can get there based on his defense, rebounding and blocked shots.
"Ben Wallace has been an All-Star before by just playing defense," Dalembert said. "You don't have to score 20 points a game. My goal has never been scoring. I want guys like Elton Brand to have the ball. I want guys like [Andre] Iguodala to have the ball. I can score off them without having any plays run for me. My main goal is to be a force, a presence inside."
Dalembert had what he called a "disappointing" offseason. He was kicked off the Canadian national team after a disagreement with coach Leo Rautins while the squad was in Greece trying to qualify for the Olympics.
Dalembert said Rautins, who questioned his work ethic, never gave him a chance.
"It was very unfortunate what happened with Canada," Dalembert said. "It was something that I didn't really know what happened. There was no indication of things leading to it where I could have prevented it or talked about it.
"It was an experience for me. I didn't let that affect me. I went home, I spent some time with my family and worked on my game."
Point guard Andre Miller said he likes being with the Sixers and would be open to signing an extension to his contract, which runs out after this season.
But Miller, who is due to make $9.9 million, said he isn't in a hurry to get it done. He recently hired a new agent, Andy Miller (no relation), who will handle all the negotiations.
"I want to go on with the season," Miller said. "It's kind of tough, because I've never been in this position before, so I just take it in stride. The off-court stuff will take of itself. When they come to me and say there's the possibility of an extension, we'll talk. Until then, I'll go out and work."
The 76ers are expected to announce that Aaron McKie will rejoin the team as an assistant coach. McKie was serving as a volunteer assistant last season before he was traded by the Lakers to Memphis in the Pau Gasol deal. ... The Sixers signed free agent Cory Underwood (6-10, 240 pounds), replacing Justin Reed. Underwood played for the Albuquerque Thunderbirds of the NBA Development League last season. He was coached by Jeff Ruland, who was named an assistant coach for the 76ers in August, replacing Henry Bibby. The Sixers' roster is at 19. They must get down to 15 for the season.
Not really. It's actually feasible if he's eligible for the C position. There are not many great Cs in the NBA, let alone only the East. PFs is a whole different story though.
Posts: 2382 | Location: Singapore | Registered: 27 January 2007
Not really. It's actually feasible if he's eligible for the C position. There are not many great Cs in the NBA, let alone only the East. PFs is a whole different story though.
I beleive he could make it as a backup center for Dwight Howard. If you ask me, other than Tyson Chandelor or Dwight Howard, he would be the perfect center to fit our new offense and defense approach to the game.
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Posts: 2737 | Location: ephratah, new york | Registered: 26 July 2008
Originally posted by nayfin: someone who gets 10 points should NOT! be an allstar,plus j oneal is going to get back on track this year
Anyone who averages 10 points agame shouldn't be huh? I do believe Ben Wallace (career 5.3 ppg IIRC) made the all star team 4 (yes, 4) times! J. Oneal will get on track? With his injury and "I make 13 million a year, so why play" mindset, yeah right. Does he solidify the Raps, yes of course. Is he goin to have an all star year. NO.
Posts: 2370 | Location: Port St. Lucie, FL-Where NOTHING Happens. | Registered: 28 April 2008
Originally posted by nayfin: someone who gets 10 points should NOT! be an allstar,plus j oneal is going to get back on track this year
And 11 rebounds and nearly 3 blocks is not impressive??????? 3 blocks!?!?!?!?!? Come on dude. What C in the East (Besides D Howard) is dominant. Kwame Brown? Sheed? Ken Perkins? Eddy Curry? Blount? Zydrunus? JERMAINE O NEAL!?
Posts: 2370 | Location: Port St. Lucie, FL-Where NOTHING Happens. | Registered: 28 April 2008
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