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**Coatesvillain** · 01-21-2008, 06:28 AM

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Consistency has been an issue for Samuel Dalembert in six NBA seasons.

Dalembert has had a tendency to show flashes in one game, only to follow it up by getting in foul trouble early on the way to two points and two rebounds.

But midway through the 2007-08 campaign, the athletic Dalembert has progressed to the point that he is in the midst of his best stretch as a professional.

The Sixers' starting center has accumulated seven double-doubles (points-rebounds) in 10 January games, averaging 12.8 points, 11.8 rebounds (5.4 offensive boards), 1.9 blocked shots and shooting 52.3 percent (56-for-107) from the field during that time.

Dalembert has scored at least 10 points in five straight games for the first time in the NBA. He also had consecutive 20 rebound games — against the Bulls and Spurs on Jan. 11 and 14 — for the first time.

Perhaps most impressive is that he's averaging 34.9 minutes this month, having played at least 31 in all but a blowout loss to the Lakers. He's playing smarter by not committing over-the-back fouls and not contesting every shot in the first quarter, which allows him to stay on the floor.

“Sam's been a factor,” said coach Maurice Cheeks. “Most times we keep Sam in the game — clogging the middle, rebounding the ball, even on the offensive end — we have a chance to win.”

Dalembert, who landed a six-year, $62 million contract with help from his performance in the Sixers' 2005 first-round playoff loss to the Pistons, is one of 13 players in the league averaging at least 10 points and 10 rebounds this season. His seasonal numbers are 11.7 points and 10.1 rebounds.

“Sam has been playing at a very, very high level,” said Willie Green. “I think we're gaining more and more trust [in him]. We all know his potential. It's just a matter of Sam doing it on a consistent basis. He's doing it night in and night out. If he can [keep it going], there's no stopping him.”

To top it off, Dalembert defended four of the league's best low-post players — Tim Duncan, Yao Ming, Kevin Garnett and Chris Bosh — in the past four outings. He had outscored Bosh 12-11 through three quarters Saturday night as the Sixers built a 20-point lead on the Raptors en route to a 99-95 victory.

Dalembert had only two points at halftime, but he didn't force the issue and ended up scoring 10 in a third period that the Sixers won by 34-16.

“My main goal is to play defense and protect the inside of the paint,” Dalembert said. “The game is coming to me. So far, I'm being consistent to what I bring. It's very important to let the coaches know what you can bring every night, so they don't have to worry about that.”

Green and the other Sixers realize Dalembert's value as the lone shot-blocker and interior defensive force on the roster. But Green said that when opposing guards are able to drive to the basket, Dalembert is asked to do more, which can result in him picking up quick fouls.

“Sam is the backbone of our defense,” Green said. “Sometimes we ask him to be Superman. We've got to do a better job of keeping guys in front of us.”

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**Coatesvillain** · 01-21-2008, 06:39 AM

I don't think anyone bashed Dalembert more than I have during his career. It's only fair for me to turn around and consistently give the guy credit when he's playing better. I think the Sixers should definitely think about rewarding him for his improvement. My suggestion for this is to pass the ball into the post when possible on offense. While he's never going to be a monster scorer it will balance the offense in the half court while rewarding Dalembert for his play. I know that by doing this you're running a risk of him taking a shot every time, but hopefully with the knowledge that he'll get more opportunities he'll be more willing to pass it out.

I think teams run into the problem of ignoring the post when they have a front court devoid of a reliable big man. I say if Byron Scott can throw the ball into the post to Tyson Chandler, the Sixers can (and should) do the same with Dalembert.

As it is right now the Sixers in the half court have stagnant ball movement, and poor spacing. The big men also have a tendency to get caught with three seconds. When they get good position in the post the ball should be thrown down.

captainobvious · 01-24-2008, 08:00 AM

Agreed. After you mentioned him kicking the ball back out, I got to thinking about how rare it is to see him do that. Usually if Sammy gets the ball, Sammy shoots the ball. But right now he's been shooting very well, so I guess you cant blame him.
He's definitely picked up his play this year. Its apparent he's really been working on his short-mid range jumper too which is impressive.

CocaineisaHelluvaDrug · 02-17-2008, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coatesvillain

I don't think anyone bashed Dalembert more than I have during his career. It's only fair for me to turn around and consistently give the guy credit when he's playing better. I think the Sixers should definitely think about rewarding him for his improvement. My suggestion for this is to pass the ball into the post when possible on offense. While he's never going to be a monster scorer it will balance the offense in the half court while rewarding Dalembert for his play. I know that by doing this you're running a risk of him taking a shot every time, but hopefully with the knowledge that he'll get more opportunities he'll be more willing to pass it out.

I think teams run into the problem of ignoring the post when they have a front court devoid of a reliable big man. I say if Byron Scott can throw the ball into the post to Tyson Chandler, the Sixers can (and should) do the same with Dalembert.

As it is right now the Sixers in the half court have stagnant ball movement, and poor spacing. The big men also have a tendency to get caught with three seconds. When they get good position in the post the ball should be thrown down.

reward him with a ticket out of philly!! he`s ben wallace(offensivly) in disguise

**Sliccat** · 02-17-2008, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CocaineisaHelluvaDrug

reward him with a ticket out of philly!! he`s ben wallace(offensivly) in disguise

Not really. He's a threat to finish around the basket and can occassionally hit jumpers. Wallace is averaging about 4 points a game right now.

iversonfan 349 · 02-17-2008, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CocaineisaHelluvaDrug

reward him with a ticket out of philly!! he`s ben wallace(offensivly) in disguise

Why would he get him out of philly if we are desperate for more big men around him.

CocaineisaHelluvaDrug · 03-10-2008, 04:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iversonfan 349

Why would he get him out of philly if we are desperate for more big men around him.

why the hell woul you want more big men round him,he`s useless...sixers will never get anywhere while dalambert is there starting centre

nice use of the "im with stupid icon" ....perhaps with that level of immaturity i should create an "im with my mummy..please buy me some fubu" icon for you

**Sliccat** · 03-10-2008, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CocaineisaHelluvaDrug

why the hell woul you want more big men round him,he`s useless...sixers will never get anywhere while dalambert is there starting centre

nice use of the "im with stupid icon" ....perhaps with that level of immaturity i should create an "im with my mummy..please buy me some fubu" icon for you

Dalembert is a legit starting center. He's not somebody you build a team around, but he's top 10-15 in that position.

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