Greatest Ever Shooting Guard 76er’s History
Once again in my greatest ever series we have a dilemma on our hands. The 76er’s have never had 2 players this good in a long long time.
Allen Iverson and Andrew Toney are the best 2 combo guards in the history of the Philadelphia 76er’s. Hersey Hawkins did not make the list because he was too soft and scared of the moment. Doug Collins was a pretty good shooting guard in his day, but injuries derailed him from making the list.
Let’s start with The Boston Strangler. Andrew Toney was an assassin when he played for the 76ers in the mid 80′s. Toney was a deadly shooting who could not be stopped when he had it going on. Larry Bird gave Andre Toney his nick name because Toney always got up for the Boston Celtics when the 76er’s made the trip top the Boston Garden.
Andrew Toney can put the ball on the floor and stop on a dime for the pull up jumper. Danny Ainge would try to get physical with Toney to little avail. Andrew Toney was a breast on the glass and could defend the point guard or the opposing shooting guard.
The Answer as he was called with the 76er’s was the most prolific scorer the 76er’s ever had since Wilt Chamberlain. What Iverson lacked in height he made up for it with desire.
Allen Iverson was the number 1 pick overall in 1996. And from the start he put the 76er’s on his 5 foot 10 back and lead them to therm to the promise land. Opposing teams had no answer for Allen Iverson. His speed and quickness was something the league had never seen before or since.
I cannot think of another player who took their team to the NBA Finals with less. Allen Iverson beat the Los Angles Lakers by himself in Game 1 of the NBA Finals in 200scoring 48 points in an overtime win for the 76er’s.
Iverson was not the best shooter, just a streak shooter. Iverson could score in bunches like no other I have ever seen wearing a 76er’s uniform.
If The Boston Strangler and The Answer played in the same back court, the NBA would be in a whole lot of trouble. Image having 2 combo guards who can shoot and handle the rock like Toney and Iverson.
That would be a natural nightmare for opposing teams who had to defend both all-star guards.
So who is your favorite shooting guard in 76er’s history!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Who Is The Grestest 6th Man In 76er’s History
There is only 2 guys in 76er’s history who could and should considered for this honor. Billy The Kangaroo Kid Cunningham and Bobby The Secretary Of Defense Jones.
Billy Cunningham was the 76er’s 6th man in the 60′s and 70′s when the 76ers won their first NBA World championship in 1967. Cunningham was a scorer and a pretty good defensive player in his day.
The Kangaroo Kid was an unstoppable force coming off of the bench for the 76ers. The 76er’s lineup was loaded with players like Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlain, Wally Jones, and Hal Grier,just to name a few.
76er’s fans seem to forget about The Kangaroo Kid’s Hall Of Fame basketball career, because he was a very good coach as well. When Cunningham’s playing career ended it did not take long for him to coach the 76er’s.
Billy Cunningham was the fastest NBA coach in history to reach 100, 200, 300, and 400 victories as an NBA head coach. Cunningham lead the 76er’s to the 1983 World Championship .
Bobby Jones on the other hand had the same fate as Cunningham. Jones was the 76er’s 6th man because the 76er’s lineup was loaded with players like Dr. J, Mo Cheeks, and Moses Malone to name a few.
However once Bobby Jones was in the game the 76er’s offense and defense all of the sudden had a much needed jolt of energy.
Bobby Jones could score and rebound with anyone in the league during his playing days. Like Cunningham, Booby Jones accepted his role as defensive stopper for the 76er’s. If their were ever an important 6th man on a team The Seceratary of Defense was that guy.
So, who is your favorite 6th man in 76er’s history?
Collins Keeping A Close Eye
With the FIBA World Championships on the horizon, new 76ers head coach Doug Collins is keeping a close eye on his guy.
Coach Doug Collins is full of energy these days. One of his main players for the 76ers is playing for the United States Men’s basketball team this summer.
Andre Iguodala is turning heads with his play. Assistant Coach Chris Collins, son of Doug Collins is the inside man for the job.
“My dad has been calling me around the clock asking about Andre Iguodala. I told him Andre has been impressive. My dad thinks he is one of the best defensive players in the league. Andre Igodala has been that and more for this team” Assistant Coach Chris Collins.
You have to give new head coach Doug Collins credit. He is reaching out to all of his players in the off season. The goal, make sure everyone is on the same page.
Let’s face the time Doug Collins coached a basketball team was in 2003. Doug Collins cannot live without basketball.
Even with Andre Iguodala playing for the FIBA Championships this summer. That has stopped Coach Collins from calling his son asking for progress reports.
The Philadelphia 76ers will need all of new coach Doug Collins energy and resolve when the season starts.
It Must Be The Shoes
Now the pressure to be the next great one will fall on the shoulders of rookie shooting guard Evan Turner. The number 2 overall pick in this year’s draft will have to live up to the hype now.
Turner signed a multi-year contract with a Chinese sneaker company. Turner will have his own shoe just like MJ did he was a player in this league.
The only difference will be that Evan Turner is entering a global market much earlier then Michael Jordan. Evan Turner and his representives are making a bold statement.
They think Evan Turner can be a player of the future. Turner has shown some signs in the summer league, but like any other rookie he needs work.
Head coach Doug Collins who knows a thing or to about playing shooting guard in the NBA will shoe him the way.
John Wall who was the number one pick overall signed with Reebok earlier this summer allowing him to have his own sneaker as well. This is the new NBA, sign rookies to sneaker deals before they prove themselves.
Let’s wait and see what happens. Stay tuned!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rest Up For Traning Camp
With his angle still in a soft cast small forward Andres Nocioni was told by the Philadelphia 76ers to rest. Nocioni was supposed to play in the FIBA Championship for Argentina this summer.
With training camp starting in late September the 76ers did not want to take any chances. Andres Nocioni ‘s angle was looked at by 76ers team head Doctor Jack Mcphilemy.
The 76ers will perform another MRI on Nocioni’s badly injured angle. Nocioni was practicing with the Argentina’s National team when he hurt his angle.
The 76ers will need Andres Nocioni when the season starts. At 6 foot 7 the 76ers could use his outside shooting and defense. He could stretch the floor with his versatility.
Head coach Doug Collins will have to find a way to use Andres Nocioni and his many skills when the season starts.
