76ers lag behind other Philadelphia teams

I could not be happier that the Philadelphia Flyers are still in the NHL playoffs

, nor could I be happier that the Phillies look to be contenders again this season (even though I think their only true shot would be if they made a few moves, given the inconsistent pitching behind Roy Halladay and lack of bench depth). 

The previous paragraph was written not only because I am a true fan of all Philly sports teams—excluding the Eagles, given their decision to award millions of dollars to a thug, animal-killing, pathetic excuse for an NFL quarterback—but also because Philly fans just witnessed what was perhaps the most depressing season in recent memory, for any local team.

The 2009-10 Philadelphia 76ers.

At 27-55, the Sixers’ record was good (bad?) for 13th place in the Eastern Conference, a conference that this season was very mediocre below its top four teams. I had the privilege to watch the team in-person a few times, and I say “privilege” because it allowed me the opportunity to see the opposing teams. If you were to be escorted into every 76ers game blindfolded and had no idea who the home team was playing each time until you removed the blindfold, there would probably be a 90 percent chance the visitors were far better and more enjoyable to watch. 

Seeing a team at its lowest point in recent memory is an eye-opening experience, because it not only gives you a sense of just how poorly things have gone, but also how well, or poorly, the fan base holds its patience. 

This year, while attending a game against Oklahoma City, there were a group of six or seven college-aged students sitting directly behind me. Throughout the entire game, they would yell (from the upper level, mind you) sarcastic remarks about the 76ers and actually root against the team so as to potentially garner better draft lottery chances. 

If that isn’t pathetic enough, take a look at the team’s Facebook fan page. The wall is littered with comments putting down players that the media tells you to love, especially Andre Iguodala. Also, there are people who post the same message every day, with the hopes that somebody high-ranking in the organization will notice it. That message? “Fire [General Manager Ed] Stefanski.” People are even planning protests of 76ers community events with signs that tell management where the team is headed. And it’s not pretty.

It’s surely a shame that young players with tremendous upside and talent, such as Thaddeus Young, Marreese Speights, and Jrue Holiday, have to waste the beginning of their careers in Philadelphia, but perhaps the biggest shame is that what could otherwise be an incredible basketball town has become the laughingstock of the country where basketball is concerned. With such low attendance figures, I feel terrible for the father and daughter sitting two rows in front of me at Fan Appreciation Night a few weeks ago; they were trying to bond and have an enjoyable evening, but passionate fans all around them were ruining the evening. When Jason Kapono is starting (and throwing t-shirts into the stands right before an inbounds play), you know something is off-kilter.

The 76ers are undoubtedly a few years away from even making a splash in the NBA again. If the organization were to listen to the fans and consider their requests for new marketing schemes, more intelligent contracts and stronger leadership, it might actually be able to shave a year or two off that wait for a splash. 

Until then, it’s just going to be a washout.