Philadelphia 76ers TWas The Eve Of Preseason

Sep 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; General view of the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex during media day. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; General view of the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex during media day. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tuesday October 4th, finds the Philadelphia 76ers in their first showdown of the preseason against the Boston Celtics. So gather round, fans…

Twas the night before preseason, when all through the gym,
The Philadelphia 76ers could not dare mention “HIM”
Ben Simmons foot fracture would be handled with care,
While the entire city and fanbase prayed Dr. David Martin would be there;

The players were scrimmaging, getting down their best shots,
Over there is head coach Brett Brown, “show Philly what you’ve got!”
And Jerry and Bryan Colangelo, like father like son.
talking about the Toronto Raptors and the ole Phoenix Suns,

When out on the court there arose such a clatter,
I logged into Twitter to find out what was the matter.
I opened up instagram and The Sixer Sense too.
noticed quite a few new tweets so I started reading a few.

The Philadelphia 76ers had just finished work on the court.
Embiid and Saric stood just inches apart.
When, before my very eyes did suddenly appear,,
A tweet about Embiid’s hitting three pointers, from over there to right here:

With Brown driving his team, pace is what it’s all about,
whispers that Okafor and Bayless might sit this first game out.
Hoping for success like those Eagles these 76ers they came,
And Brown whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;

“Now, Saric! now, Covington! now, Embiid and Noel!
On, Henderson! on Rodriguez! on, Holmes! and let’s go!
To the top of the key! to the post and transition!
Now pass pass and pass it away! let’s get you into condition!

As players flew up and down the basketball court on this day
it was tough to believe preseason is just one day away.,
after years of anticipation, one thing became clear.
That moment we awaited is now, we are here!

And then, in a twinkling, I read more tweets this time.
about how good this team will be when they all hit their prime.
As I drew it all in, and was turning around,
Joel Embiid hit another three pointer from downtown.

JoJo is 7-foot two, from his head to his foot,
And his teammates were trying to give him the best looks,
As the defense collapsed to the post where he stood,
he flipped the ball out to Saric for three-points and “It’s Good!”

The eyes of Rodriguez, always moving, still very merry!
His beard wrapped his whole face, like a bear’s chin, all furry!
He dribbled and passed to get the ball down the court;
into the hands of the open shooter, it was good for two more!

The dinner with Will Smith was an unexpected treat
And the players remarked it was great, cool and neat.
It’s just all part of the process in Philly they say,
As it’s now October 4th, that’s preseason game day.

Jerry Colangelo looked on, a right jolly old elf,
pointing out the team’s spacing, I like that myself;
A wink of his eye and a nod to Brett Brown,
left me thinking a win is about to go down.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his son,
they discussed all the players, and then Jerry was done.
but his son remained after, to answer some questions
And to approve the team’s changes, season outlook and direction,

So the team found a way, and Brett Brown sounded his whistle,
And they all walked off the court. Rodriguez passed one last missile

Henderson caught the ball, shot a three pointer with delight.
And told his teammates “WE GOT THIS. IT Will BE A GOOD NIGHT!”