Words of encouragement from Kyle Korver

Wonder if the Hawks are going to give out motivational towels for their playoff push like the Sixers did back when Kyle Korver was playing alongside Allen Iverson.

Allen Iverson is a huge Russell Westbrook fan

During his playing days, Allen Iverson was known for his tenacity, effort, and energy out on the court. Separate criticism aside, no one played harder than Allen Iverson.

Those some qualities can be seen in the Thunder's other-worldly point guard Russell Westbrook, who has been dominating the league since the All-Star break, and is making a serious MVP case for himself.

Image via exnba.com

Thus, it is not so surprising that Westbrook is the recently retired Iverson's favorite player in today's NBA.

"I'm the biggest Russell Westbrook fan I think there is," Iverson revealed in the Sixers' broadcast booth during a game last week.

"He reminds me so much of myself," Iverson continued, "as far as his heart and laying it on the line night in and night out."

The drive and determination displayed by both Iverson and Westbrook are certainly similar.

Westbrook said he was 'honored' by Iverson's support:

"It's definitely a honor. Iverson did a lot of great things in the league and a lot of great things for the city of Philadelphia."

Indeed he did, and now Russ is doing some pretty great things in Oklahoma City.

Allen Iverson interested in working for 76ers front office

Allen Iverson wants to stay a Sixer. At least that's what he said in the Sixers' broadcast booth last week.

“I would like to be even in that war room,” Iverson said of potentially working in a front office capacity. “Even if they don’t go with my decision or whatever, just to have an opinion and putting out what I think and trusting the organization to do what’s right.” 

Image from forbes.com

When asked what he looks for when evaluating a player that others might not necessarily pick up on, Iverson had a simple answer.  

“The fight. Their fight. The fight in a guy. I’m the biggest [Russell] Westbrook fan I think there is, because he reminds me so much of myself, as far as his heart and laying it on the line night in and night out.”

Iverson is well-respected for his on-court effort, and his in-game experiences may provide him with a unique point-of-view when it comes to player evaluation.

The 11-time All-Star remains revered in Philadelphia, and draws a crowd at Wells Fargo Center every time he is in attendance. It is amusing to think of him and Sam Hinkie co-exsisting in the war room on draft day. 

Stan Van Gundy doesn't like the Sixers

Last spring, at the Sloan Sports Conference in Boston, Stan Van Gundy referred to the Sixers, and their route of rebuilding as ‘embarrassing.’

"Not what Philadelphia is doing right now, which is embarrassing," Van Gundy replied to a question about tanking. "I don't care, [commissioner] Adam Silver can say there's no tanking or what's going on [but] if you're putting that roster on the floor, you're doing everything you can possibly do to try to lose."

Ironically, Sam Hinkie was present when those comments were made.

Image via foxsports.com

Fast forward to this March, and Van Gundy’s Pistons sit well out of the Eastern Conference playoff picture at 24-44; only 8 games ahead of the restructuring Sixers. 

With a solid defensive effort and some tough interior play, the Sixers bested the lottery-bound Pistons 94-83 on Wednesday night. The Pistons were held 15 points below their season average, and were limited to only 20 points in the paint thanks to Nerlens Noel, Thomas Robinson, and the rest of the frontcourt. It was a solid, albeit not pretty, team win for a team that is building back up after a deadline day shake-up.

After the game however, Van Gundy gave the Sixers no credit, placing the loss entirely on his own team.

“We kept making the same mistakes, we were never in that game,” he stated.

When asked to explain his team’s low field-goal percentage against the Sixers, he didn’t mention anything positive that the Sixers may have done to cause the subpar shooting.

“When you don’t throw the ball to open people, and continue to force shot in the paint, if we continue to take those shots against anybody, we’re going to shoot in the 30% range. It’s the shots were taking. They all come and attack the ball, we’re taking difficult shots at the rim, there’s people wide open on the perimeter and we won’t throw it to them.”

He implied that his team did a poor job of ‘knowing their opponent:’

“It was a total lack of focus in getting ready for a game and knowing who your opponent is and taking what you go through in the morning and preparing yourself to play.”

As his media session was about to end, I asked Van Gundy if the loss to the Sixers was ‘embarrassing’; a reference to his comments about the Sixers a year earlier. He didn’t respond. 

76ers further enhance partnership with DraftKings

via the Sixers: 

PHILADELPHIA, PA—MARCH 11, 2015—The Philadelphia 76ers today announced an industry-first enhancement to their existing partnership with daily fantasy sports leader DraftKings, Inc. with the introduction of team prizes and experiences in connection with select free, one-day fantasy basketball contests exclusively for Sixers fans.

With the announcement, the Sixers become the first NBA team to participate in a private DraftKings fantasy basketball contest and the first NBA team to offer team-branded prizes for DraftKings’ online daily fantasy sports.

“We are fortunate to have a partnership with DraftKings that allows us both to develop and create innovative ways to continually enhance our fans' experience in the digital space," said Sixers Chief Executive Officer Scott O'Neil. "This online daily fantasy basketball contest - which is the first of its kind in the NBA - speaks volumes about the vision and groundbreaking direction of DraftKings and the Sixers."

Image via 76ers. 

“Daily fantasy sports is undeniably breaking into the mainstream, and contests like this are exciting new territory for the industry,” said DraftKings Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Jason Robins. “We’re glad to have the Sixers onboard and willing to pioneer the space with us, and to continue bringing new prizes and exclusive experiences to our users.” 

DraftKings, the Official Daily Fantasy Sports Partner of the Sixers, will offer tickets to upcoming Sixers games – either courtside or lower level seats – as prizes to the winner of each free one-day fantasy basketball contest.

Beginning Wednesday, fans will have access to the contest via the Sixers' digital and social platforms or by visitingwww.draftkings.com/sixers. During the 17 single-day contests throughout the rest of the regular season, fans have the opportunity to draft a team of eight (8) NBA players and create a lineup with the object of scoring the most fantasy points.

All contestants must be eighteen (18) years or older to play and live within 75 miles of the Philadelphia city limits. Full schedule of contest dates can be found at www.sixers.com with the below contest dates featuring a grand prize of courtside tickets:

GRAND PRIZE COURTSIDE CONTESTS	PRIZE
Wed. 3/11	2 COURTSIDE TICKETS on Sat. 3/14
Sun. 3/15	2 COURTSIDE TICKETS on Fri. 3/20
Sun. 3/22	2 COURTSIDE TICKETS on Mon. 3/30
Mon. 3/30	2 COURTSIDE TICKETS on Wed. 4/8
Fri. 4/3	2 COURTSIDE TICKETS on Mon. 4/13
Tues. 4/7	2 COURTSIDE TICKETS on Wed. 4/15

Today’s announcement is the latest development in a groundbreaking partnership between the Sixers and DraftKings. On December 2, 2014, the Sixers announced a multi-platform deal that made the team DraftKings’ first NBA partner.

For more information, contact Sixers Public Relations at 215-339-7666.

The 76ers were an answer on Jeopardy

The Sixers have had their fair share of struggles this season. It was only a matter of time until Jeopardy noticed.

Image via Jeopardy

Atlanta Hawks hosting '2 Chainz night'

Rapper 2 Chainz, also known as Tity Boi, an Atlanta native, is a big Hawks fan, and can commonly be seen sitting court side at Philips Arena.

On March 27th however, Chainz will be making the move from courtside to center court.

The Hawks announced that their March 27th game against the Miami Heat would be '2 Chainz night' complete with an introductory performance from the rapper.

In anticipation of 2 Chainz night, the Hawks have released some official 2 Chainz/ Hawks gear.

It is a pretty cool marketing ploy from the Hawks, who continue to be ahead of the curve in that area.

"As an Atlantan, I'm excited to colloborate with my beloved Hawks on March 27 as they face off against the Miami Heat. The Hawks have been 'TRU' to Atlanta this season so it's only right that we come out to support," Chainz said in a statement.

Nerlens Noel blossoming in the absence of Michael Carter-Williams

Check out the original article from Philadunkia here.
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If you’ve been paying attention to the Sixers lately, you’ve undoubtedly noticed the all-around improved play of Nerlens Noel. In the recent weeks Noel has taken giant steps in his development, on both ends of the floor, and with each passing game he looks less and less like the out-of-place player he often resembled early on in the season.

Many expected Noel to be good, even dominant, defensively, but it’s safe to say that few expected him to be this good this quickly.

Noel is currently the only player in the entire NBA to have over 100 blocks and 100 steals so far this season, and on Wednesday night he became the first center since Hakeem in 1988 to record four straight games with 4+ steals. He is sixth league-wide in total blocks, as he has become extremely adept at sliding over from the weak side to challenge a driving ball-handler. His ability to seamlessly switch onto a perimeter player is arguably even more impressive, as very rarely do you see a player of Noel’s stature possess such quick hands on the perimeter and the ability to spark a break.

He is well on his way to becoming an elite rim protector, currently holding opponents to 45% shooting at the rim; right on par with some of the game’s other great post players. In the Sixers win over the Hawks last Saturday, Double-N became the first rookie since Shaq to record 11+ points, 17+ rebounds, and 5+ steals in a single game. In short, Noel is already among the game’s best defensive players, and he is only a 20-year old rookie. Is there any doubt that this dude is going to contend for multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards?

Joel Embiid ok after slight scare; cleared for increased activity

Check out the original article from Philly.com, here.
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Good news for 76ers fans.

After a slight scare that saw Joel Embiid returning to wearing a protective walking boot earlier in the week due to some soreness, it seems that Sixers fans can breathe a sigh of relief.

Embiid flew out to Los Angeles on Tuesday for a scheduled check-up with his doctor, who had some good news for Embiid and his Philadelphia franchise.

Nerlens Noel putting in work with private coaches

Check out the original article from Philly.com, here.
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Nerlens Noel has been highly-touted for his ability to dominate defensively. He was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year as a Kentucky Wildcat, and he is currently sixth in the entire NBA in blocks per game, despite being just a rookie. If his defense continues to develop at this trajectory, he will surely be in the running for several NBA DPOY awards. 

While Noel’s developing defense may be his true calling card, his play on the other side of the floor has also been pleasantly promising.

Image via CoachUp

On the offensive end, Noel is averaging 8.8 points per game so far this season, and that number has climbed each month. He has worked tirelessly to improve his shooting stroke, and he has added a couple post moves to his previously bare offensive arsenal. 

Some of Noel’s improvement on the offensive end could potentially be credited to his work with CoachUp, a service that connects athletics with private coaches in a one-on-one environment aimed at improvement. Noel has been working with CoachUp since before the 2013 Draft, and most recently he has been working with CoachUp founder Jordan Fliegel throughout this season to develop his post-game.

Noel is a big proponent of private coaching, and credits working with one-on-one instruction throughout his growth for much of the success he has attained in basketball up to this point.

K.J. McDaniels seeing little playing time in Houston

Check out the original article, from Philly.com, here. 
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Highlight-reel dunks and acrobatic blocks will define K.J. McDaniels' short stint with the Sixers. In 54 games with the franchise, the former second-round selection proved to be a surprise standout from the highly-hyped 2014 draft class. 

McDaniels bet on himself last summer by turning down Sam Hinkie's preferred four-year contract structure for rookies and instead signing for a single season; less security, but a chance for a bigger payday much sooner. 

Over the first portion on the season, it looked like a good bet, as McDaniels' benefitted from the experience and exposure afforded to him by the reshaping Sixers. He climbed up rookie rankings, and through a combination of potential and on-court athleticism, McDaniels boosted his summer stock, while playing 25 minutes a game for Philadelphia. 

Image from SBNation.com

With the Rockets, there have been no breakaway dunks for McDaniels, no chase-down blocks. Instead, there has just been a lot of sitting for the 22-year old rookie from Clemson. 

In the midst of a title hunt in the crowded and teeming-with-talent Western Conference, the Rockets cannot afford to allot many minutes to an undeveloped rookie like McDaniels. With the Sixers, McDaniels could learn on the go and play through his mistakes. That is not the case in Houston, which already has established veterans Trevor Ariza, Corey Brewer, and MVP-candidate James Harden holding down the perimeter positions. McDaniels has to take his minutes when he can get them, which thus far has been few and far between. 

He has only appeared in two games for the Rockets since being traded well over a week ago, playing five total minutes. With the final playoff push approaching, where teams usually tighten up their rotations, that number doesn't figure to inflate much. 

McDaniels, like former fellow traded teammate Michael Carter-Williams, will experience the playoffs sooner than expected, but he has suffered serious statistical sacrifice in the process. 

McDaniels will still see some attractive offers this summer, largely based off of the potential he showed with the Sixers. He will almost certainly make more in his second season than he would have if he had accepted the traditional four-year rookie-scale contract, but you have to wonder if his market value will slip as a result of his lack of exposure in Houston. 

The origins of Michael Carter-Williams

SB Nation did an excellent job with this docu-video looking at some of Michael Carter-Williams' back-story before he was the reigning Rookie of the Year and the starting point guard of the Philadelphia 76ers Milwaukee Bucks. Check it out below: