This is one of the greatest days in Sixers history, especially recently. And who saw it coming? I asked for it, but never expected it to happen.... and not like this.
I'm shocked and elated. However, I can also feel the pain of a franchise that has had all too much of it.
See, as a Sixers fan living in LA, who also follows the Clippers a little, I'm torn. Since I moved out here, I've grown attached to the Clippers and they're really the only west coast team I can follow... in anything... pro or college. I have rooted for them especially in light of the Lakers, whom I cannot stand. I've been pushing the Sixers to go after Elton Brand for a long time, but now, I'm wondering if it should feel so good. After the Baron Davis news came out, I was sad that the Sixers would probably not get Brand, but it was nice to hear the Clippers finally get some recognition. Now they're stuck halfway, and I hate to see that. I am elated - again, DELIGHTED - to get Brand; he's not perfect but he's just what the Sixers need (as opposed to Josh Smith, who's too much like their other guys).... but I don't like doing it this way. And I do think the Clippers actually have a better supporting cast, at least offensively, but the imbalance of conferences had to factor in heavily in this decision.
As for my hometown team.... what can I say? They actually did the thing I wanted them to for the first time ever. They got the guy who fits them perfectly. They made up for the Iverson trade, because they used that deal to get cap space and they actually used it. And Andre Miller turned out to be still valuable. Two years ago, I was sure this franchise was dead and I was openly rooting for them to tank TWICE so they could get prospects in each of the past two drafts. But here they are, on a major upswing. They made the playoffs, surprisingly, with a feisty young squad, but they needed a real big man force to be taken seriously.... and they just got him. And I don't have to worry about them throwing cash at Smith! Truly, it is a glorious day. This stuff just doesn't happen in Philadelphia that often.
I don't think they will instantly be a favorite. They need some shooting off the bench, and some more experience for the young guys. But after next year, Boston and Detroit will be in a tough spot, LeBron will be making a big decision, and the Sixers could be in a great spot. Toronto, Orlando, Washington, Atlanta, and maybe some others will be better. But I like the future of the Sixers. I love what they're doing now. Just a few months ago, I was still furious with them. Again, I am sorry for how this went down. The Clippers deserve better than this. They've suffered too long. I hope the Clips can get Okafor and they both can make the playoffs. That would be a good way to end this all.
But I'm also happy. Happy for the first time in a while with the ol' team.
[As I hear more on the radio right now, it appears that Brand's agent was hell-bent on making this difficult for the Clips. I hear shades of Drew Rosenhaus and Scott Boras, and I don't like it. We're still hurting from the rug pulled out on TO and Rosenhaus; I do not like having David Falk's ego being the thing that potentially saved the Sixers.]
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