Post by aar on Jun 7, 2012 10:22:12 GMT -5
1) Duke, you're new to the league. What are your short-term and long-term plans with the 76ers?
Duke: My current plan right now is to win as many games as possible, and try not to get bounced out of the first round of playoffs. My long term plan is to win as many games as possible till I finally have my picks back to rebuild this team the way I want to. I don't have a first till 2053 so I have a while. I know that I probably won't ever be contending for a title until then, but the goal is to stay competitive, make the playoffs, and have a fresh set CY to do what I have to do when I decide to rebuild.
Aar: I think that staying the course is a good idea. Another option would be to trade Gervin for pieces that will help the 76ers win now, which I know is a bit of a stretch.
2) Willis Reed is still putting up numbers, but are you hoping that he retires soon?
Duke: If I'm able to re-acquire my firsts from 50-52 from Boston and Toronto then I'm definitely hoping he will retire soon. He is putting up great numbers for his age, and with only 2 years left on his contract after this season, and no firsts, I can use him as the anchor of my defense. If he retires, great I'll have some more cap flexibility, if he doesn't retire that's great too, I can use him on this team.
Aar: His output has been really good and since Gervin and Foots need to be extended, there's not really a huge impact if he retires. Since you don't have your picks, he may as well stick around.
3) dewaynec got eliminated in his contract year and yet, despite few changes, your 76ers are 2nd in the East. What changed?
Duke: To be honest with you not much has changed. The players improved a lot over the offseason. I added some scoring off the bench through a trade that I made with New York, and all the players that were on the team last season are still contributing. I believe the main reason why we have been playing so well is because of the emergence of the once average point guard Foots Walker. Ever since the change of focus to outside his game has improved significantly.
Aar: I think it's been the emergence of Foots Walker. He has really stepped up his game. Gervin's percentages have also jumped and that certainly helps.
4) Is there a team that you fear facing in the first round of the playoffs?
Duke: I feel like my team can compete with any team in the east OUTSIDE of the Bucks. I may be new to the league but I'm almost positive Bingo Smith is the greatest player to ever play in BBS. Gervin will definitely have trouble stopping him if we do happen to meat Milwaukee in the playoffs.
Aar: I would worry about the Bobcats. They're a way better team than their record indicates. I wouldn't want to face them in the first round, they could be a tough out.
5) Foots Walker is expiring after this season. Is he worth a max contract?
Duke: I have Gervin, Goodrich, Love, and Walker all expiring. If Foots doesn't resign for anything less then a max then you most likely won't see in Philly next season. He's playing lights out right now and like a top 10 points guard, but it's only been one season where he's put up this kind of production, which means he's not worth giving a 6 year max contract too when I plan on giving Gervin one.
Aar: He is absolutely worth a max contract. No questions asked.
6) Bird and Magic are obviously the top-two picks in this coming draft. Rank your next three and why?
Duke: Too be honest I haven't even taken a look at the draftees much. I won't be having a top pick, so that's the reason. At a quick glance I like the center Thompson as well as Theus in the top 5. Whoever get's Bird or Magic though, I'll trade my whole team for one of them.
Aar: If I'm ranking them: 1) Cheeks 2) Thompson 3) Theus.
7) What do you think is your team's best trait?
Duke: My best trait is probably the balance of these team. You'll see teams that are really great at scoring the ball, but can't play a lick of defense and vice versa. My team is ranked 8th in ppg and 10th in points allowed. Team is 4th in 3 pt % and 5th in fg %. Top 10 in steals per game. You get the picture, I'm above average at a lot of things. Not top in the league or really shitty, but just good all around.
Aar: Spot on assessment. The 76ers are in the top-10 almost across the board in every significant team stats category and that's why they're successful.
8) If the Cleveland Cavaliers wanted George Gervin. What would they have to offer?
Duke: Wouldn't trade him to the Cavs ;D
Aar: If Roundfield and Nixon was offered for him, it would be hard to ignore. Roundfield looks like he'll be very good and Nixon is a solid backup plan if Foots leaves.
9) Who has the best chance of taking out the Blazers in the West?
Duke: I'd say the Jazz do because they can play defense probably better then anyone in the league. If you can't stop them from scoring you don't have a chance of beating them.
Aar: The Nuggets. They have a really solid team that have incredible defenders from top to bottom. The biggest issue with them might be turnovers. They'll be a tough out come playoff time.
10) Is George Gervin the most valuable player in the Atlantic Division?
Duke: Him, ML Carr, or Marvin Barnes. I'll go with my man Gervin though.
Aar: Why do people keep sleeping on M.L. Carr?!? He's a stud. Top-10 player value-wise.
Duke: My current plan right now is to win as many games as possible, and try not to get bounced out of the first round of playoffs. My long term plan is to win as many games as possible till I finally have my picks back to rebuild this team the way I want to. I don't have a first till 2053 so I have a while. I know that I probably won't ever be contending for a title until then, but the goal is to stay competitive, make the playoffs, and have a fresh set CY to do what I have to do when I decide to rebuild.
Aar: I think that staying the course is a good idea. Another option would be to trade Gervin for pieces that will help the 76ers win now, which I know is a bit of a stretch.
2) Willis Reed is still putting up numbers, but are you hoping that he retires soon?
Duke: If I'm able to re-acquire my firsts from 50-52 from Boston and Toronto then I'm definitely hoping he will retire soon. He is putting up great numbers for his age, and with only 2 years left on his contract after this season, and no firsts, I can use him as the anchor of my defense. If he retires, great I'll have some more cap flexibility, if he doesn't retire that's great too, I can use him on this team.
Aar: His output has been really good and since Gervin and Foots need to be extended, there's not really a huge impact if he retires. Since you don't have your picks, he may as well stick around.
3) dewaynec got eliminated in his contract year and yet, despite few changes, your 76ers are 2nd in the East. What changed?
Duke: To be honest with you not much has changed. The players improved a lot over the offseason. I added some scoring off the bench through a trade that I made with New York, and all the players that were on the team last season are still contributing. I believe the main reason why we have been playing so well is because of the emergence of the once average point guard Foots Walker. Ever since the change of focus to outside his game has improved significantly.
Aar: I think it's been the emergence of Foots Walker. He has really stepped up his game. Gervin's percentages have also jumped and that certainly helps.
4) Is there a team that you fear facing in the first round of the playoffs?
Duke: I feel like my team can compete with any team in the east OUTSIDE of the Bucks. I may be new to the league but I'm almost positive Bingo Smith is the greatest player to ever play in BBS. Gervin will definitely have trouble stopping him if we do happen to meat Milwaukee in the playoffs.
Aar: I would worry about the Bobcats. They're a way better team than their record indicates. I wouldn't want to face them in the first round, they could be a tough out.
5) Foots Walker is expiring after this season. Is he worth a max contract?
Duke: I have Gervin, Goodrich, Love, and Walker all expiring. If Foots doesn't resign for anything less then a max then you most likely won't see in Philly next season. He's playing lights out right now and like a top 10 points guard, but it's only been one season where he's put up this kind of production, which means he's not worth giving a 6 year max contract too when I plan on giving Gervin one.
Aar: He is absolutely worth a max contract. No questions asked.
6) Bird and Magic are obviously the top-two picks in this coming draft. Rank your next three and why?
Duke: Too be honest I haven't even taken a look at the draftees much. I won't be having a top pick, so that's the reason. At a quick glance I like the center Thompson as well as Theus in the top 5. Whoever get's Bird or Magic though, I'll trade my whole team for one of them.
Aar: If I'm ranking them: 1) Cheeks 2) Thompson 3) Theus.
7) What do you think is your team's best trait?
Duke: My best trait is probably the balance of these team. You'll see teams that are really great at scoring the ball, but can't play a lick of defense and vice versa. My team is ranked 8th in ppg and 10th in points allowed. Team is 4th in 3 pt % and 5th in fg %. Top 10 in steals per game. You get the picture, I'm above average at a lot of things. Not top in the league or really shitty, but just good all around.
Aar: Spot on assessment. The 76ers are in the top-10 almost across the board in every significant team stats category and that's why they're successful.
8) If the Cleveland Cavaliers wanted George Gervin. What would they have to offer?
Duke: Wouldn't trade him to the Cavs ;D
Aar: If Roundfield and Nixon was offered for him, it would be hard to ignore. Roundfield looks like he'll be very good and Nixon is a solid backup plan if Foots leaves.
9) Who has the best chance of taking out the Blazers in the West?
Duke: I'd say the Jazz do because they can play defense probably better then anyone in the league. If you can't stop them from scoring you don't have a chance of beating them.
Aar: The Nuggets. They have a really solid team that have incredible defenders from top to bottom. The biggest issue with them might be turnovers. They'll be a tough out come playoff time.
10) Is George Gervin the most valuable player in the Atlantic Division?
Duke: Him, ML Carr, or Marvin Barnes. I'll go with my man Gervin though.
Aar: Why do people keep sleeping on M.L. Carr?!? He's a stud. Top-10 player value-wise.
