• 06:03 PM ET  06.29
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With the draft behind us and free agency less than a week away, here are five questions that are in need of answers within the coming months.

1. Who will be the starting power forward at the beginning of the season?
The answer should be clear cut in a couple weeks. Free agency begins on the 1st, as we all know and Philly is expected to either sign or trade for a star power forward (EB please). If all goes according to plan, our starting power forward is currently on another team. If Stefanski somehow fails to bring in the big name player, the Sixers might be in trouble. Does anyone feel safe with "Shrek" Evans, Jason Smith, Marreese Speights and possibly Thaddeus Young as the options at the four? I know I don't. In my mind are only be two acceptable answers. Elton Brand and Josh Smith.

2. What will happen with Andre Iguodala and Lou Williams' contracts? And what does the future hold for the both of them?
This question has already been partially answered. Both were given qualifying offers, meaning they are allowed to sign an offer sheet with any team, but the Sixers have the right to match any offer. I don't see either one of them signing with other teams. Andre worries me with his nonchalant answers and lack of passion to remain a Sixer, but if he leaves it'll be next year. If an extension can't be reached he'll make roughly 3 million this season and become an unrestricted free agent next summer. That scenario is looking more and more likely. As for Lou, he's not leaving anytime soon. I just hope these guys don't get too greedy and expect ridiculous money and if they do, I hope Stefanski won't take a page out of BK's book by paying role players ridiculous amounts of money.

3. How will the young guys develop?
Lou Williams was the player who took the biggest step this season. He went from an unpolished bench warmer to spark plug off the bench. Iguodala took a small step forward, but was tainted a little with his playoff performance. Dalembert finally put it all together and Rodney Carney showed signs that he could be have a solid NBA career. This season I expect those players to at least maintain, if not improve upon their success. Thad and Jason Smith should also develop nicely. Our playoff chances really rely on Thad's development. I truly believe he'll have a monster year. He has a great work ethic and caught on really quickly last year. With a full season under his belt, along with some playoff experience, I expect nothing, but stud performances from Thad Young. Everyone will obviously be monitoring Speights development as well.

4. It's the Sixers' first off-season with Stefanski at the helm, will he be the anti-Billy King? Drafting Skills? Smart free agent signings?
I took some heat for criticizing Stefanski for not being more active in the draft. I was pretty harsh on the regime for not being more like Kevin Pritchard and Co. over in Portland and for not making a Miami type offer (Two 2nd rounders and cash) for Mario Chalmers or DeAndre Jordan. I still feel the same way, but I still think Stefanski had a solid draft, just not spectacular. Speights was the right pick. No complaints there, but he could have come up with a better excuse for not trading than "we tried hard". That being said, it was the man's first draft as the head honcho. For that I'll cut him some slack. The verdict is still out on his ability to sign free agents and budget money. The Korver trade was brilliant. Let's hope he keeps it up. July 1st Ed, it could be your coming out party.

5. Will Andre Miller be awarded a contract extension? Does he want to remain a Sixer?
Neither the Sixers nor Andre Miller seem too excited about getting an extension done. Miller has said numerous times that he'd like to return to the west coast. He's coming off arguably the best year of his career, but he's not getting any younger. The way I see this whole thing panning out, is both parties avoiding an extension this off-season and waiting until the trade deadline to make a decision. If the Sixers are somehow, out of contention by the deadline, I see them trading him for a couple of young guys and some picks. They should be able to get great value for him, considering he's been incredibly durable throughout his career, he fits on almost any team and he'd be an expiring contract. Essentially a rent-a-player to help a team get over the hump. If everything goes according to plan, the Sixers will be contending in late February and they'll either extend Miller then or wait till the off-season. Of course this all depends on Andre giving up on his west coast dreams. Throw Elton on this young team though and I don't see Miller going anywhere.

5a. How much is it going to take for us to send Willie Green packing?
There's not too much to say about Willie Green, except that nothing would make me happier than to see him cut/traded from the team. If nothing else, reduce him to a smaller role. Please!

How do you think these questions will be answered?

http://sixersoul.blogspot.com/

June 30, 2008  09:43 AM ET

Elton Brand has already said, publicly, that if he leaves LA....Miami is the ONLY place he'll consider...

Andre Miller will probably be moved before the trade deadline next season if the season is "iffy"

Iguodala should not get max money for max years....He's a complimentary player....and that was proven in the playoffs....If he comes up against top competition he cannot raise his level of play....(He disappeared against DET)

Willie could've brought you the 2nd rounder that you talking about in your blog...

As far as the off season....They finally have money to spend in free agency....Don't waste it on a player just to bring a player in....Make sure it's the right player for this team....If they have to save the money....save the money....They are an up and coming team....be patient.

 
July 1, 2008  11:53 AM ET

Responses t oyour questions:

1. I agree 100%, Elton brand is the guy and I would go after him hard. Josh Smith is young and athletic but another player who can't shoot!

2. Gota sign iggie because he's an asset, period. His demeanor irries the crap outa me too. Iverson always said publicly that he wante to be a Sixer and I loved that. Iggie need not go that far but is it all just about the $$$ with him? We've put up with his brick laying at inopportune times and still supoorted him. Would a littel shout out to Philly kill him? Lou Williams you have to keep and it shouldn't be that hard.

3. If you ask me the team will eventually be built around the talents of Thad! He's got skills and wants the ball... Igoudala take note! Smith will be better and Carney has to agin confidence, that's all he needs.

4. Krver move was great but now we must replace hes' shooting with someone better and more clutch. Korver had a tendency to miss the "big ones". Not necessarily the buzzer beater but the one that would tie or put them up during a comeback rally or staving off the other teams rally. I'm hoping the kid from Temple who is joining the summer team (can't remember his name, Pat ?, his brother plays for the Bobcats i think) will make the team. He can shhot and liked to take the big shot in college.

5. Why all the willie hatin' from everyone... is it a fad? I don't care for his game, in particular his penchant for missing clutch shots, but he is what he is. He's had his moments and has some talent... don't blame him for taking Billy King's contract, get it while you can. In the proper role he's an asset but not as a starting two guard. He will only be a deal maker included in a bigger deal for a more valuable player, that's his value. Willie ain't the reason this team is gonna succeed or fail.

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