Oh What a Shot by Devin Harris!

Everyone’s talking about Devin Harris’s incredible game-winning shot to beat the Philadelphia 76ers. Well here’s the video of the desperation half-court heave by the All-Star. Ridiculous concentration by Harris to get the shot off after Andre Iguodala stripped (or fouled) the ball away from him.  Check it out yourself:

Philadelphia 76ers Preview

PHILADELPHIA 76ERS (40-42) – ELIMINATED FIRST ROUND

The Sixers made a splash this offseason by signing the crown jewel of the free agent class, Elton Brand. Power forward was a position they were sorely lacking in during last season’s surprising playoff run and they significantly upgraded it by signing Brand and drafting former Florida Gators big man Mareese Speights (who has done nicely in the summer league and so far in the preseason).  With those two additions, the Sixers should be among the East’s elite this year.

Nothing fancy about his game.  Just gets the job done.

Face of the Franchise: Elton Brand. Just looking at all the hoopla that surrounded the signing of Brand, it shows you just how important he is.  He brings instant credibility and star power to the team.  He is used to being “the man” from his days in Clipperland so he’ll be a leader right from the start for Philadelphia.

Send Him Away: Samuel Dalembert. Double-double man?  Check.  Defensive presence?  Check.  So why would I trade him away if I was the Sixers?  He just makes too much money.  Sure he had his best season last year but I am not convinced he will sustain that success in the years to come.  Dalembert will be making about $11.5 million for the next three years and that’s just too much money for someone who may or may not bring his A game every night.

Impact Newcomer: Elton Brand. Without a doubt.

Brand, in his own words, on why he “spurned” the Clippers.

X-Factor: Elton Brand. Again, this team is all about Elton Brand now.  It will be important for him to fit in to the team last year and not ruin the chemistry they had, especially at the end of the season.  All the players will need to learn how to play with Brand and let him make them better because he will.

Not many guys in the NBA can do this.

Forecast: Playoffs – 3rd seed. If you can’t tell by now, I love the Elton Brand signing for this franchise.  He, along with Andre Iguodala (another budding star in the L)  will elevate this team to the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference.  They will challenge the Celtics for division supremacy and will be looking to make some noise in the playoffs.  But I’m not sure they have the depth to make a title run.  Look for them to get bounced in the second round.