Andre Miller has played his final game as a Philadelphia 76er. It was widely speculated last season would be Miller’s last, but the starving economy made Miller’s asking price a little too steep for most teams. When the Portland Trail Blazers inked Miller on July 24th, the quest for a new point guard began. The Sixers drafted Jrue Holiday in the 2009 draft, and have backup point guard Lou Williams returning from last year. The team looks young and athletic on paper, how this translates into future success remains to be seen.

Samuel Dalembert may not be the best fit for new coach Eddie Jordan’s system. Though he can block shots and for the most part rebound, his passing and basketball IQ will be tested in the Princeton offense. I believe Holiday is too smart, athletic, and talented to remain on the bench for too long, so look for him to surpass Williams by Christmas. At shooting guard, Andre Iguodola will be slated as the starter, but will be moved between the two and the three in the offense. Third year small forward Thaddeus Young has shown steady improvement every year and fits the mold on the offensive and defensive end for Jordan’s philosophy. Off the bench, summer league wonder and surprisingly high PER owner(ESPN’s John Hollinger’s player rating can be found here) Marreese Speights provides more than energy and can score and rebound at will. It begs the question, why the HELL did they sign Elton Brand?A young, uptempo, athletic team should not be constrained by an aging, oft injured power forward. Can Brand rebound this year, literally and figuratively, enough to raise his stock and lead his team into the playoffs again?

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