Sixers look to make season the real deal

By Nick Luchko staff writer

There is no stopping the Philadelphia 76ers. They begin their first season of the century with high expectations of playoffs ,.,. and maybe even more. Building from last year's 28-22 record, the Sixers look to fight for the Atlantic Division crown with the New York Knicks and Miami Heat.

The terun, as everyone in the Philadelphia area knows, is own ed by Pat Croce. Well-loved and respected since taking over, Croce has instituted a winning atmosphere that was shown last year. General Manager Billie King has done exceptionally well, in the free agent and trading markets. Coach Larry Brown has been doing everything he said he would be doing when he was brought in two years ago. Coach Brown's idea of using role players around a superstar, has worked to perfection so far and this year should be no different.

It all starts with "the Answer."

Allen Iverson. Last year, he led the NBA in scoring (26 ppg) and was named to the All-NBA First Team. Coach Brown moved him to shooting guard from point guard and as a result his turnovers and over all play went through the roof. Iverson hopes to improve his play even more this year and make a legitimate run at MVP.

When Iverson moved to shooting guard the Sixers had a secret weapon to replace him in the unselfish Eric Snow (8.6 ppg, 6.3 apg). A free agent this past sum- mer, Snow opted to stay in Philadelphia to continue to form one of the most versatile 1-2 tandems.

Larry Hughes, who won't tum 21 until January, is a natural scorer who has big-time offensive potential. He will no doubt be in the running for the sixth man award with his skills.

Theo Ratliff ( 11.2 ppg, 8. l rpg, 2.98 bpg) continues to improve every year and is the main big man. He is currently nursing an injury to his ankle. He is continuing rehab on it and when he comes back is undetermined. The srune can be said for Matt Geiger (13.5 ppg, 7.2 rpg). He too is currently nursing a bad leg and his returned is not known. Geiger brings horror to the middle of the Sixers court.

When it comes to the blue-collar workers, forwards Tyrone Hill, George Lynch and guard Aaron McKie come in. Hill was acquired last season and can be a 10-10 player each night. Lynch signed an extension in the off season and looks to improve on last season's resurrection of a career. McKie, a Philly native, can do it all and is a great backup for Iverson.

Veterans Billy Owens and Bruce Bowan were brought in to improve both the scoring and bench of the Si"\'.ers. Owens has been around and this deal could be a steal.

Draft pick wise the Sixers got a steal in Jumaine Jones. Although he might not play that much this year he should be a contributor in years to come. Todd McCoul- lough has shown instances in this pre-season to be a big man for the future.

The Sixers won't tum any heads this year, except on the court. They got the respect of both the players and their fans. Now it is up to them to show that they are for real. I see the Sixers making it at least to the second round again and maybe the conference finals. The East is not that strong this year and the terun has a shot at the finals. I think the Sixers are a team of the future and the main terun in Philly. The Sixers have the skills and the drive and when a team has that there is no stopping them.