How Returning Players Can Bolster 76ers

Apr 15, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Carl Landry (24) passes the ball away from Los Angeles Lakers center

(27) in the second half during the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Show Them The Cavalry Has Arrived

Carl Landry is the official godfather of the Philadelphia 76ers.   He’s the player who has seen it all.  He’s been to the playoffs four years: twice with the Houston Rockets, once with the New Orleans Pelicans, and once with the Golden State Warriors.  He’s been on winners – like the Houston Rockets from 2007-2009, and losers, like the Sacramento Kings in the 2009-2010 season.  His best season statistically was the 2009-10 season, where he was traded from the Rockets to the Kings in a three team swap which sent Tracy McGrady to the New York Knicks and Kevin Martin to the Rockets.

Landry knows basketball.  But he also knows off-court controversy. On March 17, 2009 at 2:30 am, Landry was involved in an incident in downtown Houston when his car was struck by a vehicle that swerved to hit him. They both collided a second time as they made U-turns. As Landry exited his vehicle to assess the damage, he was shot in the leg and the suspects fled the scene. His teammates were shaken by the news, but rallied to support their teammate.

"“It’s scary,” said Rocket teammate forward Shane Battier. “This is a guy we were joking and riding with on the plane just hours before. My feeling is thankfulness that he’s going to be OK. You have to be careful and be aware of your surroundings. Even then, there’s no guarantee you’re safe. But I’m not going to lock myself in my house with an arsenal of weapons.”"

His coach was also monitoring the situation

"“I’m just thankful that he’s all right,” said Rockets head coach Rick Adelman. “It’s just a situation that all of us have to be aware of. It’s not the same world it was 10 years ago. You’re just thankful that it’s not something more serious.”"

On March 30, Landry returned to practice involvement and played in his first game on April 7, less than three weeks after the shooting.

That type of background, of misfortunes and tragedy off-court, will be priceless experience to bring to this team right now.  The minds of Jahlil Okafor, Nerlens Noel, and to some part Nik Stauskas, have all been shaken with events of this season.  Three starters, three potential stars, at a crossroads.   With the arrival of Landry, they will see that there is a methodical process to ensuring a long career on the basketball court.  But even moreso, there is a mindset to deal with the challenges which confront any professional sports figure.  There is a structure of controlling only that which you can control.  With that type of message, Landry is more than a teammate.  He’s a wellspring of wisdom and experience on a team seemingly at a deficit in both areas.

The cavalry has arrived.

Next: Team of Us Suddenly Got Bigger and Better