Fri Jun 20 09:42:40 2008

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Philadelphia 76ers 2008 Draft Preview

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(Sports Network) - Head coach Maurice Cheeks did a great job in his third year on the bench in the City of Brotherly Love. Cheeks has made the Sixers into a playoff team and the future looks very bright.

Andre Iguodala, who is scheduled to become a restricted free agent, led Philadelphia in scoring (19.9 ppg), while center Samuel Dalembert grabbed a team-best 10.4 rebounds and point guard Andre Miller, who averaged 17.0 points and may be the most underrated player in the league, dished out a club-high 6.9 assists per game. Rookie Thaddeus Young had a solid campaign and 21-year-old Louis Williams played like he wanted to be contributor for many years to come.

Rebounding specialist Reggie Evans, guard Willie Green and rookie Jason Smith did a good job in their roles.

There is a nucleus in place. General Manager Ed Stefanski will look to add to his core of players with the 16th overall pick in round one. Stefanski will most likely go with the best available player.

Kansas' Darrell Arthur, Donte Green of Syracuse and Florida's Marreese Speights all could be on the Sixers' radar.

2007-08 Results: 40-42, lost to Detroit in first round of playoffs.

Key Player(s): Rodney Carney (Forward), Samuel Dalembert (Center), Reggie Evans (Forward), Willie Green (Guard), Andre Iguodala (Forward/Guard), Andre Miller (Guard), Jason Smith (Forward), Louis Williams (Guard), Thaddeus Young (Forward).

Team Needs: Power forward and an outside shooter.

Draft picks: 1st round (16th overall).