The Celtics-rival Miami Heat were already performing well beyond pre-season expectations, currently in fourth place in the Eastern Conference with a 34-16 record. They have now undoubtedly improved by adding Andre Iguodala, Jae Crowder and Solomon Hill to the fold via a trade that sent Justise Winslow, Dion Waiters and James Johnson to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Iguodala's addition gives the Heat a former Finals MVP that brings veteran leadership, playoff savvy and versatility. He will make a positive difference. The acquisition of Crowder can not be minimized. In 29.4 minutes per game, he is averaging 9.9 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 2.8 APG and 1.0 SPG. He brings much-needed toughness and further depth at Miami's wing position. This trade moved the needle in a positive direction for Pat Riley's Heat.
Not so with the Sixers trade for the Warriors' Glenn Robinson III and Alec Burks. With the 76'ers sending three second-round picks to Golden State in return, Philly will have to make some cuts from their present roster.
Admittedly, the Sixers added some much-needed outside shooting with the acquisition of Robinson III and Burks, but the major issue remains unsolved - that is, the lack of cohesiveness of this team. The 76'ers have vastly under-achieved this season, currently sitting in sixth place in the East with a 31-21 record and experiencing a 4-game losing streak. They are 22-2 at home and an abysmal 9-19 on the road, clearly showing lack of discipline, mental fortitude - and possibly well-defined leadership.
This is not what Al Horford bargained for when he bolted from Boston to Philadelphia in the off-season. Al may have been a quiet leader in Boston, but that quality has disappeared in Philly. His new team is strangely-constructed, and the design is clearly not working as planned. It is doubtful if the addition of Glenn and Alec can make a significant difference.
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Miami has agreed to trade Justise Winslow, Dion Waiters and James Johnson to Memphis for Andre Iguodala, Solomon Hill and Jae Crowder, league sources tell ESPN. No picks in the deal.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 6, 2020
Iguodala's addition gives the Heat a former Finals MVP that brings veteran leadership, playoff savvy and versatility. He will make a positive difference. The acquisition of Crowder can not be minimized. In 29.4 minutes per game, he is averaging 9.9 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 2.8 APG and 1.0 SPG. He brings much-needed toughness and further depth at Miami's wing position. This trade moved the needle in a positive direction for Pat Riley's Heat.
Not so with the Sixers trade for the Warriors' Glenn Robinson III and Alec Burks. With the 76'ers sending three second-round picks to Golden State in return, Philly will have to make some cuts from their present roster.
Alec Burks Glenn Robinson III
— 𝔸𝕝𝕖𝕩🥜 (@ZhaireWRLD) February 6, 2020
16 PPG 12.9 PPG
4.7 REB 4.7
3.1 AST 1.8
37.5% 3PT 40.0%
Welcome to Philly😤 #PhilaUnite pic.twitter.com/h6XjPQGjsp
Admittedly, the Sixers added some much-needed outside shooting with the acquisition of Robinson III and Burks, but the major issue remains unsolved - that is, the lack of cohesiveness of this team. The 76'ers have vastly under-achieved this season, currently sitting in sixth place in the East with a 31-21 record and experiencing a 4-game losing streak. They are 22-2 at home and an abysmal 9-19 on the road, clearly showing lack of discipline, mental fortitude - and possibly well-defined leadership.
This is not what Al Horford bargained for when he bolted from Boston to Philadelphia in the off-season. Al may have been a quiet leader in Boston, but that quality has disappeared in Philly. His new team is strangely-constructed, and the design is clearly not working as planned. It is doubtful if the addition of Glenn and Alec can make a significant difference.
Follow Tom at @CelticsSentinel, @CausewayStreet and Facebook
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