Expert predictions: Philadelphia 76ers

Originally Published: October 22, 2010

ESPN.com

Predicted Finish For Philadelphia 76ers: 2010-11

ANALYST	COMMENT	PREDICTIONS
	J.A. Adande, ESPN.com \| Adande's picks Doug Collins will find a better way to utilize Andre Iguodala and the Sixers will play better defense -- although they don't have the shot-blocking presence of Samuel Dalembert anymore.	Atlantic: 3 East: 8
	Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag \| Broussard's picks This is a mismatched bunch. Elton Brand doesn't fit with a group of poor-shooting slashers, and it's possible they won't fit Doug Collins' typically slow tempo. If they're somehow able to reach their potential, they'll get one of the last two postseason seeds. But I'm betting against that.	Atlantic: 4 East: 11
	Chad Ford, ESPN.com \| Ford's picks Andrea Iguodala, Thaddeus Young, Jrue Holiday and rookie Evan Turner give the Sixers a great young core, but a super weak frontline, led by an aging Elton Brand, means that even Doug Collins could be in for a long, long season.	Atlantic: 3 East: 10
	Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live \| Harper's picks The Sixers have to figure out how to develop Evan Turner and Jrue Holiday into cornerstones of this team. That probably means sacrificing wins this season and possibly frustrating their veterans. Don't envy Doug Collins' job this season.	Atlantic: 4 East: 11
	John Hollinger, ESPN.com \| Hollinger's picks Even if Evan Turner bombs, the 76ers will surprise. Sure, Doug Collins will nit-pick them to death, but in the short term he'll improve them substantially. He lacks an A-list star but has serious young talent with Iguodala, Speights, Williams, Young and Holiday.	Atlantic: 2 East: 7
	Tim Legler, ESPN \| Legler's picks Finally the carousel has stopped. Doug Collins is going to command respect. They will play harder and be more creative offensively, but they aren't very smart. They don't take care of the ball, and Collins will get frustrated with some of the young players. Does he have the stamina to see this project through?	Atlantic: 4 East: 12
	Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com \| Sheridan's picks Nice to have Doug Collins back. Would be nice to see Evan Turner become something special, but in the preseason he hasn't shown a lot. You have to wonder when during the season they'll realize the key to long-term success is moving Elton Brand. I'll put that over/under at Jan. 18.	Atlantic: 3 East: 11
	Marc Stein, ESPN.com \| Stein's picks When Evan Turner followed up a lackluster showing in summer league with an equally underwhelming preseason -- combined with Doug Collins' recent claim that he's never taken on a tougher coaching job -- you stopped hearing the previously popular suggestion that Philly is a playoff sleeper in the East.	Atlantic: 3 East: 10
	Michael Wallace, ESPN.com \| Wallace's picks Doug Collins was the sentimental choice to take over as coach. He's already at a crossroads. Do you focus on developing the young core of rookie No. 2 pick Evan Turner, Lou Williams and Marreese Speights? Or do you try to win now with veterans Andre Iguodala and Elton Brand?	Atlantic: 4 East: 14
	Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com \| Windhorst's picks The Sixers better hope Evan Turner is just a slow starter. They cannot afford to have made a mistake with that pick. All those trades/free-agent signings over last three years and roster still doesn't seem to fit all that well together.	Atlantic: 3 East: 12
AVERAGE RANKING Atlantic: 3.3 \| Standings East: 10.6 \| Standings