Thread: Jim O'Brien bonding with AI, impressed with Dalembert..
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Old 09-05-2004, 08:22 AM   #1 (permalink)
Coatesvillain
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Jim O'Brien bonding with AI, impressed with Dalembert..
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Staying in the Atlantic Division but moving overseas: Philadelphia coach Jim O'Brien recently spent some quality time in Istanbul, but visiting historical sights on the banks of the Bosphorus was not on his agenda. Allen Iverson, in pre-Olympic action, provided the main attraction, as O'Brien continues to build a relationship with the practice-averse superstar. So far, so good. O'Brien believes the same can be said about the reshaped Sixers. "We made a lot of positive changes this summer with our roster," said O'Brien. "When [president/general manager] Billy [King] and I put our heads together, we knew we wanted to go in a certain direction. We wanted to improve our ability inside, free up playing time for Willie Green, and shore up the center position. I feel we accomplished all those things. I'm more confident with our current roster than when I took over. If we can stay healthy, I feel we can make the playoffs, and that's the first order of business. On defense, we have guys who can definitely knock people down. On offense, we have at least five guys that can really score, and by that I mean create their own shot and get to the foul line. I don't feel I had that luxury with that many scorers in my last job." In case anyone forgot, O'Brien's last job was coach of the Celtics. The drama resumes in the Boston home opener Nov. 3, when Philadelphia visits the FleetCenter. "We have to play every opponent [in the division] twice on the road," said O'Brien. "At some point in time, the staff was going to have to play its first game in Boston. It just comes early. Certainly, that will add a certain dimension that I would prefer not to have, and we'll adjust." The Sixers showed just how quickly they can adjust when Mark Blount re-signed with the Celtics. O'Brien had hoped to land his former player, but Philadelphia could not match what Boston offered. Still, the Sixers wasted no time bringing back Brian Skinner. And on the subject of big men, O'Brien added that he has been particularly impressed with young center Samuel Dalembert.
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