A Brand New Man in Philly
Wednesday, July 9th, 2008 by Steven Mitchell
The Celtics won the title, the Pistons were arguably the second best team in the league, and now Elton Brand has moved over to the East with Philly. Is there a shift of power? Somewhat, but the West is still the best; the East is now just a little more top heavy.
This trade of Elton Brand to Philly has changed the landscape in the East. Boston and Detroit are the top two teams, LeBron will have whatever rag tag group Cavalier management gives him near the top, and the Wizards resigned their guys and are ready for a good season in 2008-09. I think the Sixers have now moved past both the Cavaliers and the Wizards and possibly the Pistons. The Sixers starting lineup will be Dalembert, Brand, Thaddeus Young (he will be a stud), Iguodala, and Andre Miller. Of the bench will be dependable Reggie Evans, and spark plugs Louis Williams and Willie Green. They are younger, more athletic, and just as talented, as the boys in Detroit.
Detroit has the experience, but they are now in the position of trying to hold back decline due to age. Philly, other than Miller who is 32, is on the rise. Brand is in the prime of his career at only 29 and the rest of these guys are improving their game.
Even if I jump on the bandwagon and say Philly is the second best team in the East, they still are not as good as the Celtics. Brand has made them better, and Brand himself will be in a better situation than if he had stayed in the West with the Clippers. However, the Celtics will dominate the East once again. At least I can look forward to the 2008-09 season as a Sixers fan and know they have a shot.
Joe
So brand took Willie Greens position? I thought it was Young’s. I am pumped for the season as well. For pickup games (although I have a shin splint right now), I use Speaking of ballin in the philly area. You can find all of the public courts in philly and pickup games at http://nofouls.com tons of courts in philly.