Cap Situation

The Sixers are on the hook for almost $89 M in salary next season, assuming Chris Webber doesn’t suffer head trauma before exercising his option to extend his deal two more years for a total of $43 M. Webber is overpriced, but he had a good season, averaging 20 points and 10 rebounds in 75 games. That last stat is the most surprising, as Webber hadn’t played in more than 67 games the previous four seasons. His shooting percentage (43%) is way too low for a power forward and it’s dragging down his otherwise good EPM of .556, which is 34th in the league and 11th amongst power forwards. Still, he’s overpaid and his monster contract makes him tough to move.

Another guy that has been mentioned in trade scenarios is Allen Iverson. AI is signed for three more years at a total cost of $60.3 M, but at an EPM of .607 (#17 in the league), he’s almost worth the dough. Sure, the guy comes off as a nut, but he’s productive and he always plays hard and that’s more than you can say about most NBA players. He’s about to turn 31, but he had his second best year shooting the ball (45%) en route to his highest scoring average (33.0), while also having his third best year in assists (7.4). Since he’s a career 31% long-range shooter, he was wise to reduce his 3-point shots per game from 4.5 to 3.1. Naturally, going to the hole more means more free throws, so his attempts rose from 10.5 in 2004-05 to a career high 11.5 per game last season.

Jamal Mashburn’s $10.9 M and Todd MacCulloch’s $6.8 M salaries come off the books next summer, giving them a bit of cap relief, but they are still on track to owe $69 M for the 2007-08 season. The team used the amnesty relief in the new Collective Bargaining Agreement and released Aaron McKie, who the Sixers are still paying at the tune of $13.5 M over the next two seasons.

So here’s some good news for Sixers fans: Andre Iguodala is signed for two more years at a total price of $5 M, making him by far the best bargain on the team. He improved in just about every statistical category, and although his EPM (.426) isn’t awe-inspiring, he is the team’s most valuable asset. He can hardly be blamed for not scoring more, considering he only gets 8.4 shots per game compared to the 44.3 combined shots that Iverson and Webber hoist each night.

There has been much debate about the contract that the Sixers gave Samuel Dalembert. He is signed for five more years at a total cost of $52.6 M, but a closer look at his EPM (.526, #50 in the league, #10 among centers) reveals that he isn’t terribly overpriced for his production. The stat that jumps out is his 26.7 minutes per game – why isn’t he playing more? Is he in constant foul trouble (3.7 per game) or is he in poor physical condition? The coaching staff needs to take a hard look at this issue in the offseason and find a way to get him on the court for 30-35 minutes a night, because when he plays, he’s productive.

Offseason Blueprint

Sadly, there isn’t much the Sixers can do until they are able to jettison Webber’s bloated contract. I’m sure it’s tempting to trade Iverson away in an attempt to build around Iguodala, but unless the offer includes a good young player and/or a couple of first round draft picks, I’d stand pat. Iverson is still going to win some games and fill the seats in Philadelphia. AI may not want to waste his twilight years playing for a loser in Philly, so he may very well demand a trade.

They would be nuts to trade Iguodala away and they should really try to get something for restricted free agent John Salmons. The two basically play the same position, but it’s conceivable that Iverson, Iguodala and Salmons could all play together. If they just could get rid of their slow-footed power forward, they might be in business.

The team has the #13 pick in the draft and NBADraft.net projects them to take Cedric Simmons from NC State, who would bring some athleticism and shot blocking to the power forward position. They’ll try to unload Webber’s contract soon, so it makes sense that they’d try to land a prospect at that position. If available, Shelden Williams would be another good option, though the team should think about taking the best available player.

Notes:

Philadelphia’s EPM by player (league average = .445)

Player EPM League Rank
Allen Iverson 0.607 # 17
Chris Webber 0.556 # 34
Samuel Dalembert 0.526 # 50
Lee Nailon 0.434 # 136
Andre Iguodala 0.426 # 143
Steven Hunter 0.418 # 152
Matt Barnes 0.373 # 229
Kyle Korver 0.356 # 255
John Salmons 0.328 # 283
Kevin Ollie 0.271 # 323

The team should try to keep Iverson, Dalembert and Iguodala. If there’s a sucker (Isiah Thomas) that will take Webber off their hands for an expiring contract or two (Allan Houston or Jalen Rose & Jerome Williams), they should jump on it so they can try to put together a winner in 2007-08.