I didn't start watching until near the end of the third quarter, and I didn't like seeing Sam Dalembert and Thad Young being the two bigs. Still, Speights did get his chance at the end of the game and came up with a great performance.
A dislocated shoulder, could be minor enough that Brand could be back in a week. Short-term it provides more minutes and more opportunities for some players, but the whole point was to get Brand going in a half-court game so the Sixers could be competitive in the playoffs.
The one good thing about Brand's shoulder is that Speights should see extra minutes, and Dileo will realize that Mareese is their best post up player. Even when Brand comes back, Speights should be the one to get the ball at the end. He seems to manage to draw fouls and is able to convert at the line, as well as score and rebound.
Anyone still have a great desire to trade for Michael Redd?
Sixers should be fine with their rebounding even without Brand. Last season with Dalembert and Evans on the front line the Sixers were a strong rebounding team. The addition of Speights can only help.
My concern is still with the offense, I've yet to see a night where all the players were hot, or at least able to shoot. One night Iguodala can't buy a bucket, the next night Thad Young can't shoot, or Willie Green keeps missing. It has been my contentention that a lot of those missed shots were shots out of rhythm, because of the way they played. They are looking a bit more fluid, but that's more likely the Bucks defense.
Boston is the real test as they are the best defensive team in the league, even with Brand the Sixers would have a very tough time, without him it seems impossible, unless they can get firing on all cylinders.
