Reebok's new release to honor The Pump, Philadelphia, Iverson

Check out the original article, from Philly.com, here.
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Images from Reebok

Both the iconic Reebok ‘Pump’ model and Philadelphia-based sneaker store Villa are celebrating 25^th anniversaries this year, and in recognition the two have teamed up for a collaboration. The two sneaker-industry giants decided to honor Philadelphia with their creation, and the result is The Reebok x Villa ‘A Day in Philly’ Pump Question Mid. 

The shoe combines elements from the original Pump shoe, mainly the tongue-pump technology, with one of Reebok’s most popular all-time models, Allen Iverson’s Question.

Iverson wore The Questions during his rookie season in Philadelphia in 1997, and they remain extremely popular to this day, selling out every time they are re-released. The newest iteration of the historic sneaker features a ‘Love Park’-style hang tang and a stitched Liberty Bell.

From Reebok:

“For this exclusive collaboration, every detail of the shoe pays tribute to Allen Iverson and his relationship with the city of Philadelphia – something no one knows better than Philly based retailer, Villa. The grey and burgundy color way is inspired directly from Villa’s logo and Iverson’s memorable Bentley. Between the LOVE park hangtag and the Liberty Bell logo, these kicks are Iverson and Philly through and through.”

The Philadelphia-inspired shoe becomes available on the Pump’s official birthday, November 24, at Villa. They will retail for $185.

2014-15 Sixers season simulation on NBA 2K15

Check out the original article from Philly.com. here.
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The NBA 2K franchise is known for its extreme realism and authenticity, and is thus the ultimate basketball simulation.

With the Sixers’ season start sitting just mere days away at this point, I decided to take it to the virtual world and simulate the Sixers’ entire 2014-15 season on NBA 2K15 to see how the game sees the Sixers’ season shaking out.

The game uses the team’s actual calendar, so the game’s schedule is identical to the one that the Sixers will experience this season. Trades were turned off heading into the season, as I am unable to predict what multitude of moves Sam Hinkie may make throughout the course of the season. Similiarily, Sixers 2014 lottery selection Joel Embiid was placed on IR to sit for the season, as we don’t know when, and if, he is going to hit the hardwood.

76ers opening night roster announced: No more Moultrie

Check out the original article from Philly.com, here.
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With the preseason over and the regular season set to start, the Sixers have officially announced their opening day roster. The roster stood at 20 Monday morning, but was trimmed down to the final 15 by Monday’s 5:00 pm deadline.

Image from nj.com

Noticeably absent from the roster is Arnett Moultrie who was traded to, and then waived by the Knicks on Monday. Moultrie was the longest-tenured Sixer. 

Although these 15 players make up the team’s official opening night roster, a multitude of moves is expected throughout the season that will likely cause the roster to look quite different at the end of the season than it did at the beginning.

Here is the roster, broken down by position (Number in parenthesis represents years of NBA experience):

Guards: Michael Carter-Williams (1), K.J. McDaniels (R), Jason Richardson (13), Alexey Shved (2), Hollis Thompson (1), Tony Wroten (2)

Forwards: Brandon Davies (1), Jerami Grant (R), Chris Johnson (2), Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (6), Jakarr Sampson (R), Malcolm Thomas (3)

Centers: Joel Embiid (R), Nerlens Noel (R), Henry Sims (2)

A couple notes: Jason Richardson is now the team’s oldest, longest-tenured, and most experienced player.  Also, the team boasts eight players that are either rookies this year or were last year. That is an exorbitant amount of inexperience.

The Sixers start their second season of the Sam Hinkie era Wednesday evening in Indiana.

Thanks, Sixers

Thanks, guys.

Michael Kaskey-Blomain (c) 

From the archives: Allen Iverson beats Nelly at HORSE

From the archives:

Image from ballislife.com

There was a time in the (not too distant) past when Allen Iverson was the king of the court, and Nelly was the hottest in hip-hop. Like a lot of athletes, Iverson tried his hand at rap, and Nelly, who is actually extremely athletic and a former baseball player, fancies himself as an all-sport athlete.

The ego's of the two superstars leads to a game of basketball's best decider, HORSE, in front of a scattered crowd in an indoor gym in Atlanta.

Nelly, who claimed he had won previously in an unrecorded contest, provided little competition for 'The Answer' this time, as he could only force Iverson into an 'H" before he himself had compiled a 'HORSE'.

The whole contest was captured on camera, and makes for an enjoyable watch. Check it out below:

Sixers acquire the player with the worst player efficiency rating of all time

Poor Marquis Teague. (Well, he's probably not so poor).

Check out the original article, from Philly.com, here.
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The Sixers’ selected rebuilding route faced an obstacle earlier in the week, when the NBA Board of Governors voted on instituting a new system for the league’s lottery. In the end, the new lottery proposal, which was brought to light largely because of the Sixers’ approach, was shot down, and the current lottery system will continue to stand.

Image from fansided.com

This is good news for the Sixers, who are expected to struggle for at least another season, and are relying on the lottery to acquire true talent. 

To celebrate the fact that the Sixers could continue to ‘tank’ unimpeded, GM Sam Hinkie went out and acquired the player with the lowest career player efficiency rating in the history of the NBA. You read that right; Marquis Teague, who the Sixers acquired Friday, along with a future second round pick, for Casper Ware, has the lowest career PER of any player that has played in more than a season’s worth of games (82).

For those unaware, player efficiency rating, or PER, is an all-in-one rating that looks to boil down all of a player’s contributions into a single stat, or in other words, the overall rating of a player’s per-minute statistical production. It is derived through a detailed formula. PER, while far from perfect, is a solid stat that has gained traction across the league’s landscape, especially in the wake of the increased emphasis on analytics. Every year the league average is set at 15.00.  Last season, Kevin Durant led the league with a 29.90 per, followed by LeBron James with a 29.40.

For his career, which has spanned two seasons, Teague’s PER is a measly 4.8. Ouch. He has averaged 2.3 points, 1.4 assists, and 1 rebound per game during that span.

Teague is still only 21 years old and still has the opportunity to develop as a player, but it is safe to say that his career has been underwhelming thus far. With the Sixers this season, he will likely be given the opportunity to play, and maybe even improve upon that all-time worst PER.  

A list of NBA players with the worst player efficiency ratings can be seen here.

Michael Carter-Williams eyes a target return date of November 13

Check out the original article from Philly.com, here.
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The Sixers, who are again expected to struggle this year, will have to begin the regular season without their reigning Rookie of the Year, Michael Carter-Williams.

Carter-Williams, who finished his statistically spectacular rookie season with per game averages of 16.7 points, 6.3 assists, and 6.2 rebounds, underwent right shoulder surgery back in May, almost immediately after receiving his Rookie of the Year hardware. He has been on the mend ever since, and his return timetable has remained a bit murky, with no exact dates given as to when he would to the hardwood.

Now though, according to ESPN, it seems as though a target date has been selected for the reigning Rookie of the Year’s return.

NBA GM's are fond of Dario Saric

Check out the original article from Philly.com, here.
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NBA general managers think highly of Dario Saric.

At the start of every season, the NBA’s GMs respond to a set of questions about the best teams, players, coaches, fans, and offseason moves. The participating general managers are not permitted to vote for their own team or personnel.

Image from lakersnation.com

It was no surprise to see LeBron James voted as the league’s best player, or the player most managers would like to build a team around. It was also no surprise that the Sixers didn’t make an appearance in any categories predicting success this season. 

Philadelphia’s franchise does get some representation on the survey however, as one of their own was voted best international player NOT in the NBA.

With 32% of the total vote on that particular question, Saric, who the Sixers secured from Orlando in the 2014 Draft, tied with Rudy Fernandez as the best international player outside of the league’s landscape.

Fernandez played several seasons in the NBA with the Blazers and the Nuggets, while Saric, who Sixers Head Coach Brett Brown thinks is NBA-ready right now, has yet to make his NBA debut. He is currently playing under contract in Turkey and is not expected to join the Sixers this season. However, his arrival provides the franchise with something to look forward to.

Check out the complete survey here. 

Past and future: Joel Embiid meets Allen Iverson

The below picture, from the Sixers Instagram page, is great for a number of reasons:

1. Despite the somewhat unsatisfying end to his career, it is nice to see Iverson still around and associated with the Sixers. He has made it known time and again that his years as a Sixer were some of the best of his life, and for many Sixers fans, the feeling was mutual. Even though he can't go out and help the current crop on the court, it is still cool to have him around the team he carried for a decade.

2. Love that A.I. hasn't changed. You see a lot of players in retirement start to sport suits and similiar threads. Not A.I. He's still rocking the baggy clothes, Yankee fitted, and corn rows. A street pioneer through-and-through.

3. Damn Allen looks weird without facial hair. It took me a minute to place what was off about the picture and then it hit me. A.I. without facial hair is not a sight we're accustomed to seeing.

4. It had to be cool for Joel Embiid to meet the most important and influential player of the franchise's past 20 years in one of those past-meets-future moments. Hopefully A.I. gave him some advice on how to get buckets.

Image via @Sixers

Hollis Thompson poised for a big 2014-15 season

Check out the original article from Philly.com, here.
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Don't be shocked to hear Hollis Thompson's name mentioned among the most improved players this season.

With a roster ripe with youth and inexperience, and lacking an established offensive option, it seems safe to say that the Sixers will struggle to score at times this season.

As a team, the Sixers ranked 19^th in the league last season, scoring an average of 99.5 points per game. Much of that production however was a result of the pace with which the team played. The Sixers attempted 87.2 field goals per game last season, second-most in the league behind only the Minnesota Timberwolves, who attempted 87.5 per game. A slightly slower pace this year, which Brett Brown has hinted at this offseason, would lead to less field goal attempts and in turn, less offensive output.

Derrick Rose falls, entire Bulls bench rushes to make sure he's not broken

After missing what turned out to be basically two full seasons in a row to injury issues, concern surrounding the health of Derrick Rose is warranted. When he hits the desk, everyone invested in the Bulls will hold their collective breath.

Check out the reaction of the Bulls bench after Rose falls to the baseline in an exhibition game against the Bulls' stiffest competition in the Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers.



Luckily, Rose bounced back up, and he looked pretty dang good in the contest against Cleveland.

Still though, concern can be expected every time Rose hits the hardwood.

Michael Carter-Williams shows support for 'brother' Joel Embiid

After the surprising death of Joel Embiid' younger brother, his new Sixer teammate and reigning Rookie of the Year Michael Carter-Williams turned to Instagram to share some support for the center. 

Below a picture of himself and Embiid at Sixers Media Day, Carter-Williams wrote: 

"Up thinking about my bro. Although I haven't known you for that long I consider you abrother. You may be my teammate but my brother is our relationship. I feel for you bro and I'm sorry for your loss. I can't even imagine what it must be like. Just know I'm here for you and I'll be your side thru your struggles and help you succeed. I'm praying for you and your family every single day. Stay strong and continue on being great. #family" 

Up thinking about my bro. Although I haven't known you for that long I consider you abrother. You may be my teammate but my brother is our relationship. I feel for you bro and I'm sorry for your loss. I can't even imagine what it must be like. Just know I'm here for you and I'll be your side thru your struggles and help you succeed. I'm praying for you and your family every single day. Stay strong and continue on being great. #family

A photo posted by Michael Carter-Williams (@mr_carter5) on Oct 10, 2014 at 11:29pm PDT

You could win $100,000 at a Sixers game this season

Via press release:

PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 15, 2014 – The Philadelphia 76ers today announced that SugarHouse Casino has joined the team as an Official Partner of the Philadelphia 76ers.

“We are proud to add SugarHouse Casino to our growing roster of partners as we work with them in providing our fans with unique assets and events,” said Sixers Chief Revenue Officer Chris Heck. “We look forward to tipping off our road season with SugarHouse on October 29 and building together valuable parts of our in-game experience here in Philadelphia.”

Image from the Sixerscave.com

“We’re Philly’s only casino, so we’re proud to partner with the Philadelphia 76ers,” said Wendy Hamilton, general manager of SugarHouse Casino. “The Sixers team this season is young and fun—all things we can relate to at SugarHouse—and we can’t wait to cheer them on.” 

When the Sixers take the floor in Indiana for their first regular season game against the Pacers, SugarHouse Casino will host the team’s season “Tip-Off Viewing Party” on Wednesday, October 29 at SugarHouse Casino (1001 N. Delaware Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19125) from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m.(game tip-off at 7:00 p.m.). Sixers legends Darryl Dawkins and Ambassador of Sixers Basketball World B. Free will attend, along with members of the Sixers Phlight Squad, who will interact with fans and give away prizes. The “Tip-Off Viewing Party” is free to attend and open to fans 21 and over. This event is a part of Sixers Blue Week, presented by Independence Blue Cross.

SugarHouse Casino’s season-long promotions include hosting the $100,000 Buzzer Beater Challenge at 10 Sixers home games (detailed below). During a break in play, one lucky fan will have the chance to participate in a shooting challenge to win the cash prize.

Games during which the $100,000 Buzzer Beater Challenge will take place:

Sat., Nov. 1	Miami HEAT	7:00 p.m.	TICKETS
Fri., Nov. 7	Chicago Bulls	7:00 p.m.	TICKETS
Mon., Dec. 1	San Antonio Spurs	7:00 p.m.	TICKETS
Fri., Dec. 5	Oklahoma City Thunder	7:00 p.m.	TICKETS
Mon., Dec. 15	Boston Celtics	7:00 p.m.	TICKETS
Mon., Jan. 5	Cleveland Cavaliers	7:00 p.m.	TICKETS
Wed., Jan. 21	New York Knicks	7:00 p.m.	TICKETS
Mon., Feb. 9	Golden State Warriors	7:00 p.m.	TICKETS
Wed., Mar. 11	Chicago Bulls	7:00 p.m.	TICKETS
Mon., Mar. 30	Los Angeles Lakers	7:00 p.m.	TICKETS

K.J. McDaniels banks on his defensive dedication

Check out the original article from Philly.com here.
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K.J. McDaniels has a lot to prove this season. After signing an unconventional one-year rookie deal with the Sixers, his fate and future in the league is in his own hands. His performance on the court for the Sixers this season will go a long way toward determining his market value next summer. With those stakes established, the former Clemson Tiger is wide-eyed and eager for the opportunity.

“I feel like I have the God-given ability to go out there and compete with the best,” he stated prior to the preseasons start. “I’m just appreciative, and I just take every day as a learning experience. I’m going to go out there and try my hardest, and try to learn as much as possible.”

McDaniels sees himself as a sponge, soaking up all of the knowledge that he can while doing his best to take advantage of the opportunity in front of him.

James Harden, beardless

Believe it or not, but James Harden wasn't born bearded, and he hasn't had his famous facial hair forever.

The below photo, from Harden's high school days, is proof.

Image from ballislife.com

A Michael Carter-Williams trade still a possibility

Check out the original article from Philly.com, here.
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Right around June’s draft day there were a lot of rumors that the Sixers were looking to potentially trade their reigning Rookie of the Year, Michael Carter-Williams. In an ever-ongoing effort to stockpile assets, the Sixers were trying to trade their 2013 lottery pick point guard for another high lottery pick, or so the rumors went.

The Sixers however, due to their copious cap space and willingness to wheel-and-deal, were associated with virtually anyone and everyone around draft day, and it was tough to determine the merit of an individual rumored scenario.

K.J. McDaniels, patriot

K.J. McDaniels was born in Alabama, which is in America. That's reason enough for him to hold an American flag in his Sixers jersey.

Image taken by Michael Kaskey-Blomain

Dario Saric is not happy with his Turkish team

Check out the original article from Philly.com, here.
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Dario Saric figures to be a contributor to the Sixers climb back into contention. After using their second lottery pick in the stacked 2014 NBA Draft on the multi-faceted forward from Croatia, the team made it clear that they had extreme faith in Saric’s skill set, even if they had to wait a couple seasons for his services.

A few days before the 2014 Draft, Saric signed a contract with Turkish team Anadolu Efes that would keep him in Turkey for at least two seasons. He would develop and expand his game internationally while the Sixers built back up. When the time came, Saric would come over and join the Sixers squad.

Things aren’t going so smoothly for Saric in Turkey however, as he is reportedly not happy with Anadolu Efes after receiving a couple DNP-CD’s.

NBA Roll Call: Everybody up

A new NBA season is upon us. The league is gearing up its audience by releasing a new promotional video for the 2014-15 season to encourages fans from all walks to get up and show support.

Most basketball fans probably don't need any added excitement, but the video is cool. Check it out below:

Jason Richardson ready for a new role with the Sixers this season

Check out the original article from Philly.com, here.
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Jason Richardson’s job for as long as he has been in the NBA was to put the ball in the basket. With the Sixers this season, Richardson will be facing a revised role.

At one time, ‘J-Rich’ one of the league’s most explosive and athletic players. His ability to treat the hardwood like a trampoline energized home crowds in Golden State, Charlotte, Phoenix, and Orlando, and his back-to-back Slam Dunk titles (2002 &2003) solidify his spot as one of the league’s most prolific dunkers.

Although he may be best known for his high-flying, Richardson’s game was deeper than dunks, as he was able to develop and expand his craft over his 14-season stint.  He currently sits fifteenth all-time in NBA history with 1,577 made three-pointers, while his career average of 17.3 points per game lands him in the top 150 of all-time.

Richardson has been able to remain effective by tailoring his game to fit what was needed out of him from a particular team. With the Sixers this season however, he may have to take on a role that he is unaccustomed to. While not starting, or potentially even playing, will be difficult for the former Michigan State Spartan, he looks at it as an opportunity to help further the franchise.

Sam Hinkie looks like Family Guy's Tom Tucker

Homer Simpson came face-to-face with Peter Griffin for the first time late last month, when the cast of Family Guy ended up in the Simpsons' Springfield on the first episode of Family Guy's 13th season.

While watching the enjoyable, yet awkward union, I realized something. Tom Tucker, the anchorman for Quahog 5 News, looks a lot like Sixers GM Sam Hinkie.

Photoshopped by Michael Kaskey-Blomain

Tucker is usually pictured with a mustache, but without one, the resemblance is amplified.

You're welcome, internet.

Michael Carter-Williams not focusing on future

Check out the original article from Philly.com, here.
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Much of the talk surrounding the SIxers as of late focuses on the future, and when the team can climb back into contention, or the merits of their roster rebuild. Little of the conversation following the franchise has much to do with actual, X-and-O’s basketball, as it would with say the Spurs.

While the fan-base can fast-forward to the future, where their team is a perennial power, those on the Sixers roster responsible for building the team back up are about to embark on an 82-game season, and they can’t afford to look to the future.

“All I can do is control what I can control,” Michael Carter-Williams emphasized at Media Day last week. “I can’t control when [Joel] Embiid is ready to play, I can’t control when Dario [Saric] comes over here. My main focus has to be on the guys that are playing.”

76ers/D12 mash-up

Finally, someone using the internet for its intended purpose.

The below image (from reddit) is an excellent mash-up of hip-hop group D12 and the 76ers' current crop.

Kudos for the decision to make Sam Hinkie Eminem, and Embiid's face on Bizarre's body is a sight to see.

76ers send out an inaccurate schedule

Check out the original article from Philly.com here.
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Maybe the Sixers don’t want fans filling the Wells Fargo Center after all. 

The team is going to struggle again this season, and in turn they may struggle to sell tickets as well. The schedule they sent out recently to ticket-purchasers won’t help.

The schedule, which is color-coded based on home and away games, is backwards, as in all the games that the Sixers have marked as home games are actually away games, and vice versa.

The team opens up on the road against Indiana on October 29^th, with their first home gaming coming the following Saturday, the 1^st, against Miami.

Interested ticket buyers were probably confused as to why the team had so many home games scheduled to start at 9:00 pm or later, as home games are usually slated for 7:00 pm.

Just goes to show that the season doesn’t actually need to be underway in order for the Sixers to make mistakes. 

76ers' inaccurate 2014-15 schedule (Michael Kaskey-Blomain) 

Michael Kaskey-Blomain, South Park style

Did you ever wonder what you would look like as a South Park character? (Come on, you know you have).

Well because of the good people at South Park Studios, I got to find out.

I ended up at a basketball court, at least that part is accurate.

Michael Kaskey-Blomain, South Park style 

Evan Turner to start for Celtics?

Check out the full article from Philly.com here. 
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Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo is out for the foreseeable future as he heals a broken hand, and a familiar face may be taking over his starting spot at the point guard position in the meantime.

According to Celtics Insider A. Sherrod Blakely, former Sixer swingman Evan Turner has a serious shot at starting for the Celtics during Rondo’s absence.

“The 6-foot-7 Turner is firmly entrenched in the mix for the job, along with rookie Marcus Smart and second-year guard Phil Pressey,” Blakely writes.

Michael Carter-Williams, Nerlens Noel, Joel Embiid bonding off of the court

Check out the full article from Philly.com, here.
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It may be a while until the trio can compete on the court together, but the Sixers’ young core of Michael Carter-Williams, Nerlens Noel, and Joel Embiid has already begun the process of bonding beyond basketball.

Carter-Williams and Noel were AAU teammates back in Boston, and they have known each other for years.

“I knew him before the flattop,” Carter-Williams joked.

The duos addition to the Sixers’ roster on the same evening last June was a reunion of sorts.

“It’s like a dream come true,” Carter-Williams said at the time. “We always talked about how we’re both going to make it to the NBA. For us to end up on the same team is a blessing.”

The two had on-court experience and were already acclimated off of it, so there was a familiarity to build upon. It didn’t take long for the friendship to form. Noel didn’t suit up for the SIxers last season, but he traveled with the team, and he learned from his friend.

“I learned a lot from Mike [Carter-Williams] last season,” Noel stated. “Just about being a rookie, and how he handled himself.”

Noel will finally have his opportunity to apply the lessons he learned from his former BABC Boston teammate as he enters what will be his rookie season with the SIxers. Much of the pressure to turn the team around will fall on the skinny shoulders of Carter-Williams and Noel, the prized picks of the 2013 Draft. Eventually, they will have some help from another lottery pick in Joel Embiid. While they may not actually play together for a while as Embiid recovers from surgery, the young core that will be expected to lead the Sixers’ climb back into contention is already starting to gel off of the court.

Kanye West worked out with Kobe Bryant, wasn't happy about it

Kanye West worked out in Orange County with Kobe Bryant over the summer.

As the picture below (via TMZ) shows, Kanye wasn't too happy about it. 

Tony Wroten ready for his second season with the Sixers

Check out the original article from Philly.com, here.
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One of the pleasant surprises of the struggle that was last season for the Sixers was the promising play of Tony Wroten.

Before signing with the Sixers last season, Wroten had only 35 games of NBA experience that he gained with the Grizzlies the previous year. No one quite knew what to expect out of the long, lanky guard from the University of Washington. The Sixers’ rebuilding roster provided an open opportunity for Wroten, who took advantage of it.

In 24 minutes of action per game, over triple the time he averaged in Memphis, Wroten posted averages of 13 points, 3 assists, and 3 rebounds per contest, while displaying an uncanny ability to get right to the rim. Wroten in fact led the league in points per 48 minutes on drives.

Despite the promise he showed last season, Wroten’s role, and future with the franchise is far from certain. He will need to continue to showcase his skills this season, and demonstrate that he is a player that the Sixers should keep around as they climb back into contention.

Jason Richardson might not actually play for the Sixers this season

Check out the original article from Philly.com, here.
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Jason Richardson will be the Sixers highest paid player this season, but that does not guarantee that the swingman is going to hit the hardwood.

After missing all of last season recovering from knee surgery, the 33-year old is expected to make his return for the Sixers this season.  However, it is yet to be seen whether he will actually play. While speaking to media members at Monday’s Media Day, Sixers GM Sam Hinkie was non-committal about Richardson’s role on-court for the Sixers.

“We’ll see,” Hinkie replied when asked if Richardson would have a role with the team this year, before following up with a quick qualifier and emphasizing Richardson’s off-court impact on the team.