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**Coatesvillain** · 12-18-2004, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Kyle Korver looks as if he just went a few rounds in a boxing ring. The bridge of his nose is a bit purple, thanks to a stray elbow that left him with a non-displaced nasal fracture. He also has stitches there.

The second-year 76ers forward seems to be a little tired as well. He has been logging major minutes since coach Jim O'Brien inserted him in the starting lineup Nov. 21, and the load seems to be affecting the sweet three-point stroke that has become his trademark.

Over his last six games, Korver is shooting just 31.1 percent from the field overall and 26.1 percent from beyond the arc. He has averaged 8.8 points in that span as compared to his 13-point average before that.

Korver is second on the team in minutes played at 31.5 per game, and O'Brien indicated yesterday that the minutes might be taking their toll.

"He seems beat up a little bit," the coach said after practice at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. "He's played a lot of minutes for us. He's a much better basketball player than he's shown the last couple of games. We're really going to watch his situation."

Preparing for tonight's game at the Wachovia Center against the New York Knicks, O'Brien said he will do what it takes to help Korver get back into a groove, even if it means cutting back on his playing time.

"Sure, I'll back off on his minutes," O'Brien said. "I'll look at bringing him off the bench. Whatever it takes to get him right, whatever it takes for us to win the next basketball game, we'll do it."

Naturally, the 6-foot-7 Korver wants to be on the court helping his team, not playing less.

"But that's up to [O'Brien]," he said. "If he thinks that's the way to go, so be it. Obviously, I don't want that. I'd like to figure out a different way and get used to it, but he's the coach.

"I'm a little bruised up, but I think everybody is. It's part of learning. Last year, I didn't play this many minutes. It's something I'm learning to deal with, and I'm going to keep on going."

As a rookie last season, Korver exceeded 30 minutes in a game only once. This season, he has put in 30 minutes or more in 14 of the Sixers' 21 games.

Korver's numbers have been better when he comes off the bench.

In the first nine games of the season, as a reserve, Korver averaged 27.3 minutes and 12.4 points, shooting 49.3 percent from the field overall and 43.5 percent from three-point territory.

Since becoming a starter, Korver has been on the court for 34.6 minutes per game, making 40 percent of his shots overall and 37.3 percent of his threes. He has averaged 11.3 points.

Other teams, of course, know of Korver's ability to shoot from long distance. He ranks second in the NBA in three-point baskets with 58. (Miami's Damon Jones has 71.) He is shooting 40 percent from beyond the arc for the season. Now it is getting a little more difficult for him to find an open look.

"I have to be more aware of where I am" on the floor, he said. "Every time I want to come off a screen, someone steps out on me. I'm not getting as wide-open looks as I got earlier in the year.

"But I've never asked for wide-open looks. I just want a shot at the hoop. That's all it usually takes for me."

Korver has every confidence that his stroke will return, maybe as soon as tonight.

"This is going to turn around," he said. "I'm not worried about it. If Coach wants to try something new for a little bit, I'm all for it. Whatever the team needs me to do, that's what I want to do."

LINK

It's not a bad idea at all, not everyone is able to play 30 minutes per in the NBA. I'm not sure if I agree with moving Kyle out of the starting lineup just because he's struggling, it would be possible to ween him off the major minutes while still allowing him to play about 25 minutes.

If I could only pick one gripe with O'Brien it's the fact that he seems to make rotation switches just to make it. Though I'm not complaining about Willie getting minutes, I just think his energy would be best served coming off the bench.

Korver being benched means one thing, rayza's extremely happy.

Rayza · 12-18-2004, 08:09 PM

hahaha, Philly you saw that one coming !

I think his best coming off the bench and provide that spark that we desperately need sometimes when 76ers goes into slumps. He is struggling lately with his shots, You on the other hand think Willie Green is best at doing that. But nevertheless, we are winning games thats all it counts.

Iverson had 54 points today. He went ballistic ! I thought he was going to slow down in the second half like in the game against NY ( he seems to be doing that often this season ) but he continue his hot touch. His such a streaky player, He was struggling after half time, 3 quater time, but once he picks it up. He was redhot !

Iggy williamson and dalmebert all had good games. Kenny Thomas did not play. Both Green and Korver struggled.

Oh and I though Ollie had a great game, he didnt score but had 5 rebounds and 5 assists in only 15 minutes !

**Coatesvillain** · 12-19-2004, 01:15 AM

I think Willie's best suited for coming off the bench because of the energy he inserts into the lineup. That's what my belief was the whole time, I think he could still receiver starter like minutes. If Willie came off the bench with Marc Jackson that'd be one of the best one-two punches off the bench in the league.

Vermillion · 12-19-2004, 03:51 AM

I personally like Korver coming off the bench with Green starting.

Like I've always said before, Korver is like our Steve Kerr.

Tersk · 12-19-2004, 04:02 AM

Good idea, I think you should rest Korver for a few games and give him around 20-24 minutes. Then he should come back with a bang

I predict next time Korver has 28+ minutes, he'll go for 25+ points

SixersFan · 12-19-2004, 10:32 AM

I like Korver, but he's too slow defensively as a starter. Last night I watched him pick up his 6th foul by not being quick enough to deny penetration. He's the perfect role player, and he may have 6th man status in his potential. I just don't think he has enough speed to keep up with the more athletic slashers at the 3.

You can't teach his work ethic though, which is a definite plus about him.

I'm still not sold on Willie Green. He seems like too much of an AI clone. His shot will get hot some games, and others it just won't fall. He's not very tall or long either. I really think he'd be a good backup 2 off the bench for instant points.

Iggy needs to shoot and drive more.

Rayza · 12-19-2004, 11:37 PM

i agree with you sixerfan, but if you don't think willie should be a starting 5, then who do you think our starting 5 should be ?

He is not the best starter, but IMO, i think his better starting for the team than Korver is.

**Kunlun** · 12-19-2004, 11:41 PM

I think in our off season we should target Pacer's sharpshooter James Jones. We don't need Willie Green, with James and Kyle coming off the bench we would be extremely dangerous. And when we are down late we can comeback easier.

Rayza · 12-19-2004, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by KL Dawger!
I think in our off season we should target Pacer's sharpshooter James Jones. We don't need Willie Green, with James and Kyle coming off the bench we would be extremely dangerous. And when we are down late we can comeback easier.

If thats the case, who would you put as our starting 5 ?

SixersFan · 12-19-2004, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Rayza!
i agree with you sixerfan, but if you don't think willie should be a starting 5, then who do you think our starting 5 should be ?

I don't really like what BK has put together on this team. It's too small, but also lacks shooters. (been that way for how many years now? haha)

AI has to start at the pg
I liked Iggy as the SG, but he needs to get more shots.
Glenn at the 3 (He's getting paid 12 mil, use him for 20-25 minutes a game)
Jax at the 4
Sammy at the 5

My theory is this...Glenn's going to suck on D, but if Dalembert is behind him, the lane isn't going to be left wide open like last year. This also puts our biggest guys up front. Iggy can defend Glenns man if he's getting killed. One thing I do wonder is how GRob could mess up on fronting the post in Obie's scheme.

Quote:

He is not the best starter, but IMO, i think his better starting for the team than Korver is.

Yeah, I agree there. I'm just not sure where to put him. He wasn't quick enough to guard Marbury the other night, so he's gotta come off as a SG on defense, yet he's 6'4''.

I think this is why I'm not ready to run OBie out of town....yet.

The players aren't standing out for starters minutes beyond AI and Sammy.

Jax can score, but can't board or jump. KT can board, but is too short defensively. Williamson is KT without the rebounding. Korver can shoot, but isn't a quick athlete. Iggy is an athlete but isn't a steady shooter yet. Skinner isn't getting enough playing time. Grob can light up the scoreboard but can't defend or dribble. WG can score, but he's streaky. Salmons is a different player every night.

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