Over the years, the Philadelphia 76ers have made several big moves to bring in All-Star players from other teams.
However, once these big name players arrive, their careers usually take a swing for the worse. Could this be the start of a new Philly curse we are not yet aware of?
In 1999, Toni Kukoc was regarded as one of the best players in the league. He led the Bulls in scoring, rebounding, and assists. His averages per game were 18, five, and five respectively.
In 2000, the 76ers made a trade to acquire Kukoc. His first full year in Philly his averages plummeted to a measly 11 points, four rebounds, and three assists per game. Kukoc was traded the next year.
In 2001, after pulling down 22 rebounds in the NBA All-Star game and earning defensive player of the year, Dikembe Mutombo was traded from the Atlanta Hawks to Philadelphia. Mutombo’s rebounds per game dropped from 14 to 12 per game, and his blocks fell from three to two. After two so-so seasons in Philly, Mutombo was sent off to New Jersey. After leaving Philadelphia, Mutombo never averaged more than six points and six rebounds per game.
After averaging over 20 points and six rebounds per game, perennial All-Star Glen Robinson was traded to Philadelphia in hopes of giving Allen Iverson another star player to to lead the Sixers to the NBA finals. Robinson played only 42 games his first year with the 76ers. His statistics drastically decreased, and he retired a year later.
Other examples include Jamal Mashburn, Keith Van Horn, and Chris Webber. It's possible it was just very hard on these players to play alongside Allen Iverson. If this is the case, Elton Brand should have a very bright future in Philadelphia.
But if Brand plays poorly and is again sent out of town, I will be convinced that the city of Philadelphia has a new curse on the rise.
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about 1 month ago
Nice first article, Brian.
I think Brand will be able to post the same numbers he did last season, but that won't be enough to earn All-Star selection behind KG, Bosh (who will face fewer doubles with O'Neal on the court), and Josh Smith (who looked very impressive before the recent injury) at the PF position.
about 1 month ago
Phillies just won the world series, so if there was any curse looming around the corner, it should be on its way out of the city of brotherly love. Plus, Brand, has played only a handful of games. Its never easy for a young team to mash in a player of his caliber. Give them some type to gel together, and them call on the curses. I still think Philly is the dark horse of the east this season. If this team can learn to play together and sneak it the playoffs, this would be a team any team would like to avoid in the first round.
about 1 month ago
Bittu, I didn't mean Philly sports in general, just the 76ers. It just seems like everytime they bring in a big name player they can never live up to the hype. Im not saying Brand isnt living up to the hype it will take a year or two to determine that. Iv been a fan of the Sixers my whole life and based on the list of players I mentioned above I just wouldn't be surprised if Brand didn't live up to the hype. Iv been seeing cases just like this for years.
about 1 month ago
Brian,
I am hoping your completely off base with Brand being a flop but it would be our luck. The one factor that you didn't mention with all the big names coming to town and not living up to the hype is "AI: Allen Iverson".
The only reason AI went to the championship was because the surrounding cast around him were all sub par players. Most recent, AI and Carmelo experiment blew up and it wouldn't take long for AI to destroy Detriot.
about 1 month ago
I mentioned in my article it could be possible it was just too hard to play alongside AI and still be productive. I wouldn't say the AI, Melo experiment blew up, there was just no team defense on that team and Camby was the only one who would play on that side of the court. Billups is just a much better fit for that team. And I think they only reason detroit traded for him was to get rid of billup's big contract to make way for rodney stuckey to be the future point guard. AI will be a free agent after this season and unless he takes detroit to the finals he will most likely go to a different team next year. Pistons made a lot of money with that trade.
about 1 month ago
I think this team has great young players, but are they players that will help get them over the top? I don't think so. Brand will be a welcome addition, but a 2nd round exit is what I consistently see for this team. Nothing more, nothing less.
about 1 month ago
I would be very happy to see the sixers make the 2nd round this year. Sixers are still a very young team. After last season I was expecting Iggy to be all-star caliber player this year, he has been letting me down so far.
about 1 month ago
Haha this article reminds me off the other day i was at work watching the game with one of the cooks and the sixers were up by like 15 points and then the defict was cut to like 6 and he said " Elton Brand the new chris webber."
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