Last Season: Philly struggled early and that led to a switch at head coach from Maurice Cheeks to Tony DiLeo. They played better under DiLeo but they were streaky all season long. In the first round of the playoffs they were up on the Magic 2-1, but lost three in a row to end their season.

Acquisitions: F Jason Kapono, C Primoz Brezec, G Jrue Holiday, G-F Rodney Carney

Departures: C Theo Ratliff, G Andre Miller, F Reggie Evans, F Donyell Marshall, G Kareem Rush

Starting Five: F Elton Brand, F Thaddeus Young, C Samuel Dalembert, G Andre Iguodala, G Lou Williams

Bench Mob: Primoz Brezec, Rodney Carney, Willie Green, Jrue Holiday, Jason Kapono, Marreese Speights

Most Interesting Man in the World: Don’t criticize. Hyperize. Andre Iguodala is the most exciting from a relatively tame 76ers team. His highlights on the court are about as impressive as anyone’s. He’s one of the best in-game dunkers and his 2006 dunk contest appearance is vastly underrated.

Over the Hill: Elton Brand – I’m rooting for Brand. I really am. But the 76ers signing Brand to a 5-year $82 million contract after being out most of the 2007-2008 season with the Clippers is looking like a very bad deal. Almost all of Brand’s numbers have decreased in each of the past four seasons. The 76ers are a young team that likes to run and Brand doesn’t fit that system well.

Ready to Break Out: Thaddeus Young – Yeah, I didn’t go out on a limb on Brand being over the hill and Young is a pretty obvious choice to break out.

Outlook: Many think the 76ers got a steal drafting Jrue Holiday with the 17th pick. They desperately need a strong point guard which they think Holiday will be, but that isn’t going to happen this year. It will take Holiday a year or two to progress to that point. Until then, Lou Williams is a serviceable point guard.

New head coach Eddie Jordan’s offense is based on ball movement but that does not utilize Brand’s talents. Can the 76ers expect anything consistent from him this season? Iguodala and Young make a formidable duo and if Brand can be a third scorer at around 15 points per game the 76ers will be fairly successful this season.

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