Iverson's MVP Trophy in previous All-Star stint. Photo Courtesy of: http://english.people.com.cn/200502/22/images/0221_B80.jpg

Post By: Matt Petrini

Well its official, Philadelphia 76ers guard Allen Iverson has just been named a starter in the 2010 NBA All Star Game, which will be held in Dallas, Texas.

Iverson finished second among Eastern Conference guards, with 1,269,568 votes trailing behind Miami Heat guard Dwayne Wade. It’s Iverson’s 11th straight All-Star appearance and his first as a Sixer since 2006, which is ironically the last time Philadelphia has had a starter in the All-Star Game.

A two-time All Star MVP in 2001 and 2005, Iverson becomes just the 26th player in league history to earn at least 11 All-Star appearances. The 34-year-old made his first All-Star team at the age of 24 back in 2000.

Iverson is averaging 14.8 ppg, 4.5 assists and 2.9 rebounds but has also tied his career high in shooting with 46.1 % from the field.

Recently in a game against the Toronto Raptors, Iverson played in his 900^th career game and is only 24 steals away from becoming the 12^th person in league history with 2,000 steals.

Throughout his luxurious career, Iverson has been named to seven All-NBA teams and has led the league in scoring four times as a Sixer. Trailing only Hal Greer, Iverson is second in franchise history in career scoring.

Even though the Sixers have struggled during the first half of the season, (15-28, fourth place in the Atlantic Division), Iverson has shed some much needed light on the Sixers dreadful season. Hopes are that with Iverson’s leadership and the emergence of scoring threat Andre Iguodala, they could propel the Sixers first half woes into a possible Eastern Conference contender during the second half.

Joining Iverson as East starters are Miami guard Dwayne Wade with Orlando center Dwight Howard. Along for the ride are Boston’s Kevin Garnett and Cleveland’s Lebron James at forwards.

Opposing the East All Stars from the West will be Lakers guard Kobe Bryant with Phoenix Sun’s Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire, Denver forward Carmelo Anthony and San Antonio forward Tim Duncan.

Sixers Dancers Baby! Photo Courtesy of: http://www.lebasketbawl.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/sixers_dancers-group.jpg

A Look Around The Wide Wonderful World of Fansided and Beyond:

Jameer Nelson Sits Out Practice to Rest Swollen Knee- Howard the Dunk

J.R. Giddens: From NBA Starter To The Maine Red Claws- Hardwood Houdini

Sixers vs. Blazers mini-recap- Philly Arena

Talkin’ 76ers With Tim Legler- Philadunkia

Bobcats On The Prowl- NBA News 365

Stefanski Sending Eddie Jordan Another Public Message: Start Elton Brand- The Recliner GM

Rematch: Best vs. the West- King James Gospel

Some Tasks To Ease Off Season Blues- Predominantly Orange

Wie To Play First Event of 2010- Pro Golf Now

Boom Dizzle Sighting- Josh Q. Public

Iguodala goes up for dunk over the Lakers. Photo Courtesy of: http://thestartingfive.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/andre_iguodala.jpeg

Okay, here we go! This season has been filled with a whirlwind of ups and downs for this beloved 76ers ball club. The possibility of putting together a solid win streak, the signing of Allen Iverson and nice wins against Portland on the road and New Orleans at home all highlight the season thus far. What really hasn’t been notably etched on my pad if positives is consistency. That’s right, this is one word that certainly does not describe the 76ers  and it certainly shows on and off the court in the win/loss column.

For instance, the first area of non-consistency is the ability to shoot the ball from three. The Sixers are one of the worst teams in the league when it comes to lining up long bombs to help them push their lead in games or come back from a considerable deficit. The likes of Rodney Carney, Lou Williams, Allen Iverson, Andre Iggy-dala and possibly Thad Young all hoist up the shots, but most of the time do not connect. Carney has had a few good games this season that saw him net three or four long balls in a game, but that’s about it. The puzzling fact about this statistic is that the Sixers went out and acquired Jason Kapono in the off season. Kapono has proven to be one of the better three point shooters in this league and can knock it down at will from outside. The problem? I don’t know what the problem is coach Eddie Jordan, but don’t you think J.K. should be implemented in the rotation on a nightly basis? He hasn’t played in a number of recent passed game and it’s always coach’s decision. Well here’s a decision and thought; Kapono could be the difference of losing by 6-8 or winning by 5-6. Take your pick because his shooting certainly would improve this jump shot happy offense.

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Post by: Matt Petrini

Andre Miller shined in his return to Philly. Photo Courtesy of: http://cdn.bleacherreport.com/images_root/galleries/212/212769/display_image_GYI0058757260.jpg

Former 76ers point guard, Andre Miller went for 24 points, three assists and two rebounds for Porland. He and Jerryd Bayless combined for 42 points from the guard position as Portland blazed past the Sixers, 98-90 Wednesday night at the Wachovia Center.
Playing without leading scorer Brandon Roy in the second half (23.5ppg), Portland looked for some support off the bench to compliment Miller. Bayless answered the call, scoring 18 points on 7-12 shooting while collecting three steals. LaMarcus Aldridge paced Portland with 23 points.
The Sixers suffered yet another hard fought loss but it wasn’t to be forgotten. Five Sixers scored in double figurers with Andre Iguodala leading the way with 23.
In Samuel Dalembert’s first game back since his goodwill mission to his native country of Haiti, he tallied 10 points while ripping down 15 boards as he collected his sixth double-double in his last eight games.
Even without Roy, the Sixers never established a lead as they had no answer for Miller, Bayless, and Aldridge. Combining for 23 field goals, this trio was on fire. It seemed every shot they took found the bottom of the net.
To add insult to injury, the Trailblazers won its 42nd straight game when holding their opponents to 90 or fewer points.
The Sixers will look to bounce back against the Mavericks Friday night in Dallas. Tip off is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Photo Courtesy of: http://cdn.picapp.com/ftp/Images/a/d/6/a/7a.JPG?adImageId=1379210&imageId=2817928

Happy MLK Day to everyone! The Sixers were on the road for a matinee showdown in T’Wolve land this afternoon and what a game it ended up to be. The tale of two halves was evident as the Sixers came out with energy, poise and a defensive prowess that forced 11 Minnesota turnovers. Those turnovers turned into points as the beloved Sixers were able to get out and get some transition baskets much like their last two games.

The most impressive part of the first half was that the Sixers led by as many as 20 points and were in such control that it didn’t matter where Minnesota looked for answers. Thaddeus Young continued to run the floor for some easy buckets and Louis Williams came out firing with eight points in the first quarter. Williams’ jump shot was on point and the dribble drive was very effective. On the defensive side of the ball, Marreese Speights, Elton Brand, Young and Samuel Dalembert were active grabbing rebounds and altering numerous T’Wolve shot attempts. With 6:30 left in the second quarter, the Sixers led by a count of 40-24.

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