NBA Picks previews the 2010-11 National Basketball Association season for the Philadelphia 76ers, who have pretty much no where to go but up this season.
The 76ers finished with a dismal 27-55 SU record last season, second-last in the Atlantic division (just ahead of NBA doormat New Jersey Nets) and third-last in the Eastern Conference.
Key personnel and players who won't be around this season include former head coach Eddie Jordan, who was fired the day after the 76ers' season ended, and players Samuel Dalembert and Rodney Carney.
Some new additions this season include head coach Doug Collins, and players Evan Turner, Spencer Hawes and Andres Nocioni.
Turner was Philadelphia's No.
2-overall selection at the NBA Draft, while the latter two were acquired in a trade with the Sacramento Kings that sent Dalembert the other way.
As well, Rod Thorn has been named team president, and while general manager Ed Stefanski remains with the team, Thorn is now the de-facto GM.
Philadelphia's defensive efficiency rating was 24th in the NBA last season but that should improve in 2010-11 with Jrue Holiday and Andre Iguodala at point guard and small forward, respectively.
And while just a rookie, Turner should pay immediate dividends on defense, as he has the size to defend two-guards, and will likely draw the third defensive assignment behind Iguodala and Jrue, giving the 76ers three slightly-above average perimeter defenders.
Among the team's weaknesses are three-point shooting and defensive rebounding, with Philadelphia ranking near the bottom of the NBA in three-point efficiency.
Half-court scoring has also been a problem since Allen Iverson left and that will likely continue this season.