In last night's win over the Blazers, we got a first look at what Philly coach Eddie Jordan's rotation looks like when his team is at full strength. Fantasy owners that decided to wait out Lou Williams' broken jaw should be pleased.
Williams' fantasy numbers for the game might look pedestrian at first glance -- in his first game sharing the backcourt with Allen Iverson, Williams scored just nine points on 3-of-9 shooting from the floor. But his other numbers -- five boards, five assists, three steals -- were very good. And most importantly, Williams played 35 minutes -- among the Sixers, only Andre Iguodala (43) played more.
Monday's game was just Williams' fourth since returning -- much more quickly than anticipated -- and a little rust is to be expected. I expect him to be scoring in the low 'teens before long -- even playing alongside a noted "volume scorer" like Iverson.
Speaking of Iverson, the veteran showed few ill-effects after missing four games with knee problems. He played thirty-plus minutes and scored 19 points on 7-of-11 shooting from the floor (5-7 from the line) and added five dimes.
Other Sixers Notes
I've questioned -- repeatedly -- the wisdom of relegating Elton Brand to a bench role. But the high-priced power forward seems to be adapting to sixth-man duties admirably. Brand had a season-high 25 points in 30 minutes off the bench last night, shot 11-of-16 from the floor and added nine boards, one assist, one steal and one block. He's now averaging 18-and-7 in his last five games, all as a sub.
Meanwhile, second-year big man Marreese Speights -- recently called out by Brand for his spotty play -- responded with 14 points and a block, but just two rebounds in 17 minutes.
Speights and Thaddeus Young (four points in 20 minutes) may see the greatest reduction in fantasy value if Brand continues to produce at this level. But that situation could resolve itself quickly if general manager Ed Stefanski can find a taker for center Samuel Dalembert. The Kings are one potential destination.