Eddie Jordan’s offensive system should benefit Sixers

During the 76ers coaching search they did the usual rounds.  They interviewed unemployed former head coaches, up and coming assistants and a few wild cards along the way. However, it was clear from the get-go that former head man in Washington, Eddie Jordan was their man

Sixers current GM Ed Stefanski had worked along side Jordan while both were employed by the New Jersey Nets. There was a familiarity there so no surprise by the move.

Now what kind of an effect can Eddie Jordan have on the Sixers?

Can his magic carry over from his Washington days?

While in Washington Jordan’s version of the “Princeton Offense” turned what were thought to be average players at best (Gilbert Arenas, Antawn Jamison) into All-Stars. In some circles it’s believed that Andre Iguodala is on the cusp of becoming an All-Star and that Jordan’s system could help push him over the hump. Also Jordan’s system is thought to help the progress of Jason Smith, Thaddeus Young and Mareesse Speights outside games.

The Eddie Jordan “Princeton Offense” will make this current installment of the Sixers play a type of game they haven’t played before, half-court Basketball. They are primarily a running team whose dangerous if they aren’t slowed down early. However, when stacked up against the best in the league they are bogged down to a half-court style, one they simply could not play the last few seasons under Maurice Cheeks and Tony DiLeo.

In Jordan’s system everyone touches the ball, and the way it’s moved helps get open looks for nearly everyone on the floor possession by possession. So you will not see one player dominate the scoring if the Sixers are to be successful. Which in-turn helps out last years big free agent pick up Elton Brand. Many were calling the Brand signing a bust after he played only a handful of games before dislocating his shoulder early in the season.

The problem wasn’t Brand it was the lack of a scoring threat from the other Sixers on the floor. When that happens a defense is going to double up on the only threat. Something that happened to Brand routinely in Los Angeles and Chicago. The difference was Brand had players he could pitch the ball out too when doubled, guys who could hit open shots. There was no one on the Sixers that struck fear in the hearts of defenders if left open. Andre Iguodala could only do so much, and as good as he is he’s not going to beat you all night from outside.

The Sixers best chance to be successful is if they buy into Jordan’s system. Their running ways shouldn’t go away, but the ability to play half-court Basketball is important if they are to be taken seriously in the East. Something Jordan hopes to prove to the pundits in Philadelphia.