Jimmy Rollins Could Learn Something From Theo Ratliff

Ed Stefanski sounds like a guy who just hit the lottery.  In a lot of ways, he has.

The Sixers GM was gracious enough to hold an open Q&A session yesterday with several writers from the web, including Matt and myself, and we had the opportunity to discuss basketball with a bright man and true fan of the game.  As excited as the fans are for this coming season, Stef is equally as enthusiastic about the club's off-season haul.

Describing last season as very rewarding, Stefanski acknowledged there was a "residual effect" from the team's surprise playoff run, and players wanted to be a part of the Sixers because they expect the team to be good.  Once Brand opted out of his contract, he became the club's main priority, and Ed seized the opportunity.  From there, the plan just fell into place.

The number one question on my list was whether or not Stef thinks this team, with the addition of Brand and re-signing of Iguodala, is good enough to win an NBA Championship.  Ed would not definitively answer yes or no, replying only time will tell, but with the opinion the team has undoubtedly moved in the right direction.  As he said at the very beginning, "We look good on paper, but paper doesn't play."

One of the highlights of the interview was when Stef talked about the decision to bring Theo Ratliff back to the club.  The addition was purely a result of the unfortunate injury to Jason Smith, with Theo only expected to see limited minutes, but it's the former Sixer's opinion of the fans that I found interesting.

"He said he loves Philadelphia.  He loves the fans because the fans make him play hard, and the fans are always there for him, and he knows if he puts in the effort, the Philadelphia fans will like him.

He figured the Philadelphia fans out.  Philadelphia fans are all about effort.  When you give the effort, and maybe it comes up short, they're gonna forgive you.  When you don't give the effort is when the fans get on you."

Refreshing to hear in light of some recent comments from some of the other athletes in this town.

Stefanski had nothing but positive things to say about everybody on the team, and touted the team's versatility when asked about what guys would play which positions.  "We have a lot of guys that I would just term basketball players," while explaining a lot of players would rotate between different spots in the lineup depending on the situation.

The interview was a lot of fun, and we covered just about everyone on the team, so I've posted some more excerpts below.  I'd also like to thank Ed Stefanski for taking the time to hold the conference.  It was great to hear what his enthusiasm firsthand.

* Sweet Lou, recently rewarded with a contract worth $25 million, received high acclaim from Stefanski.  "I think Lou Williams is a hell of a basketball player, I really like the way the kid plays." 

* Stef revealed Thaddeus Young has spent the summer improving his ball-handling in preparation of seeing more minutes at the 3 position.  "There's no question he has gotten better."

* The Sixers are very pleased with the development of Marreese Speights at this point.  Stefanski gushed about the rookie, who he described as skilled and athletic.  Despite the rumors about Speights' work ethic, the skills are there, and the injury to Smith may give the kid an opportunity this season.

* Willie Green was given a vote of confidence from the Sixers GM.  For now, there are no more moves planned, so Willie is part of the team.  He also disclosed that Green was playing hurt last year, and was hopeful there would be some improvement this season.

Comments

[Joe]

I love Theo

[johndewar]

If I were Willie Green, I'd rent and not buy in the area.

[Mike H.]

I'm stunned, but not entirely surprised, that this chunky, white, person with the funny Polish name knows so much about basketball, Philadelphia sports, and blogging. Wow - he gets it. Good for him. He's putting in place the elements to bring back the Boston-Philly rivalry, too.

[TheCoz]

Not that it really matters but just wondering...with Jason Smith out for the year, are the Sixers now the only all-black NBA team (head coach included)?

[Scott]

That's great that guys like Theo Ratliff like the fans. But its a little different to be Theo Ratliff or Ike Reese or Greg Dobbs in Philly. Try being a superstar in Philly. That's all well and good that ROLE players like the fans. Try steping in Donovan McNabbs or Allen Iversons, or Ryan Howards shoes. Then they might have a different opinion of the fans.

[Poster Nutbag]

dont we still have lou admunsen? is scottie brooks still on the team?

[Zack]

I honestly can't remember one time that Iverson was booed. Everyone knew it wasn't him that kept the Sixers back.

[Dan Levy]

The interview was a lot of fun, and we covered just about everyone on the team.... I'd also like to thank Ed Stefanski for taking the time to hold the conference. It was a lot of fun and it was great to hear what his enthusiasm firsthand.

But the one question that hasn't been answered...was it fun? How much fun was it? I hope a lot.

(Honestly, good job and a cool opportunity.)

[will]

thats a good point coz, Don Haskins would be proud.

[Kulp]

You're killin me, Levy... absolutely killin me. Good spot though.

[Jon]

So was it racism that caused Jason Smith's knee injury?

[TheCoz]

Sorry, wasn't trying to be racist, geez. Sorry I brought it up.

[Bryan]

I heard Jason Smith's Dockers slipped on a mayonaise sandwich while reaching for his DVD of Mad About You.

[James Beale]

hold up, this city NEVER booed AI - on the court, he was Philly

[j13]

"Philadelphia fans are all about effort. When you give the effort, and maybe it comes up short, they're gonna forgive you. When you don't give the effort is when the fans get on you."

This is exactly what I always tell people when they look at me like I'm a monster for being a Philly fan, except instead of "forgive" I say "still gonna love," because it's true.

The problem the superstars have is, for the most part, the fact that they are often almost too good for their own good, and can rely on ability to do really well when what people are really looking for is *visible signs* of effort. Iverson and Utley vs. Howard and Abreu, for instance. This isn't to say that they're not trying, just that they don't do it in a way where's it's so obvious - Iverson getting repeatedly knocked down and still sprinting up and down the court, Utley busting his ass down the line and always having his jersey dirty.

[T]

Have been waiting for a Sixers post for a while now. No reason this team can't be top 4 in the East.

[Saul]

I'd also point everyone to Henry Abbott's writeup of this same conversation (He's the blogger behind Truehoop on ESPN). He mentions a lot of the same things, but brings a different perspective. Truehoop is always a good read.

[Jackson Smith]

THEO RATLIFF IS DA MANNNN!!!!!
Jimmy is just tryin to take attention away from the badd year hes havin. if i was him i would shut up n play cuz he has an olympic shortstop (Jason Donald) breathing down his neck.

[Scott B]

I completely agree that Iverson on the court was Philadelphia.

Sixers and pro basketball may be my least favorite team/sport but i always got excited to watch him.

good read

[Mike]

Stefanski is the anti-Billy King. I've always loved Sixers basketball but Ed has me pumped up about their future. Stuff like this makes (along with the Flyers management's dedication) makes me believe that we are going to see a parade from our Basketball or Hockey teams before an Eagles or Phillies parade.

[EricStAngelo]

@ Mike
Right there with you bro.
And to be honest with you, a Cup would warm me so much more than knowing we gave those nitrous heads in the Linc parking lot one more reason to get drunk.

[tb]

So, basically Philly fans love you if you kiss their ass and call them the best fans in the world. But if you call them on their bullshit, they'll hate you for it.

[doubleh]

No, you are welcome to call us on our bullshit if you are in the midst of a career year--but if you start crap while you're in the worst funk of your baseball life and also have broken 2 team cardinal rules--we might call shenanigans on you.

I don't need players to call us the best fans in the world. Just shut the f up and play.

[danny]

"I honestly can't remember one time that Iverson was booed. Everyone knew it wasn't him that kept the Sixers back."

So Iverson didn't hold the Sixers back?
In the voice of Borat, Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaa?
Maybe you're being sarcastic.

[chad]

billy king held the sixers back