So most of the journalists are saying the Nets are stronger with Mutombo. How do you think the Sixers made out? Will they be a quicker team with McCulloch, Van Horn, and all the new players? Will Van Horn help to take the pressure off of Iverson to score all their points?
nets=only got better short term sixers=it will not work out with van horn it didn't with stack hughes and even claxton iverson needs too many shots
If Van Horn is willing to step up to be a consistant scorer and rebounder he could become a good complementary player to Iverson. It also will depend on Allan's willingness to share the ball with Van Horn to make things work. Mutombo is obviously a much better defender and rebounder than McCullough although Todd is younger than him. I think the trade will be better in the short term for New Jersey,and they won't miss Van Horn much because they have also picked up Rodney Rogers but it could workout pretty well for the Sixers too.
I think Iverson will be okay with sharing the ball. I watched him play all last year, and he was looking to give it up a lot. He's become a good passer off of his penetrations. I just hope Van Horn can add 15-16 points per game to their offense. But then again I liked Harpring who was good for maybe 10-11 points a game (I don't remember his stats). And Harpring was a solid rebounder. Is Van Horn definitely an upgrade? Offensively? Defensively? I've not seen him play much.
Offensively he is a upgrade from Harpring but not defensively. In 81 games last season he had 14.8 points,7.5 rebounds,at a.433 FG%,.345 from 3 point,and .800 FT in 30.4 minutes.
I think NJ got the better end of that trade. 1, I think they got better palyers 2, they have a legit chande to repeat, and therby increase the chances of keeping Kidd 3. they got rid of McCollugh's contract, which is about the same as Catos for about the same amount of skill (but less potential - the synic in me breaks out - he can't spell eiither) But a different twist on the same question. Effectivly Philidelphia traded The Ratliff amd Tony Kucos for McCullough and Van Horn. Is that a good trade for the Sixers?
I think that both teams got better because of that trade. Philly - Mutombo just wansn't workin out for them. Todd-Mac is a solid center and Van Horn allows for a non-selfish scoring option. NJ - Mutombo gives them a center to match up with the Western centers (somewhat) and gives them a great looking starting 5.
Sixers. Nets are in a win-now mode, and it'll all be good if Mutombo=championship this season, but if it doesn't, then it's likely that Kidd will bolt and the trade will end up being a bad one for NJ.
