Samuel Dalembert - Articles - Zimbio

Evaluating the ‘07-’08 76ers: Samuel Dalembert

Mon, 20 May 2008 17:05:08 GMT

posted by highlite15

Samuel Dalembert 2007 Season Review

Stats: 33.2 MPG / 10.5 PPG / 51.3% FG / 70.7% FT / 10.4 RPG / 0.5 APG / 0.49 SPG / 2.34 BPG / 1.9 TOV

I was happy (not satisfied) with Sammy’s production at center this season. He played all 82 games for the second straight season while logging the most minutes per game of his career. Can you say durable? He also fouled out less (3) and had 26 double doubles, both career bests.

Defensively Dalembert did a good job of controlling the paint and even had some game-changing/winning moments with his shot blocking and altering ability.

Offensively did you know Sam led the team in points per shot (1.31)? Only Thaddeus Young was a more efficient scorer than Sammy this season. Yet Sammy was only 4th on the team in shot attempts, and I wonder what would have happened if our 51% shooting center took more than 8 shots per game. Do we think he would maintain the same level of efficiency?

Grade: C+

What Samuel Dalembert Should Improve

3 main areas I think Sam should focus on in the off-season (in order of importance):

Go-to low post move. I don’t care what it is (hook is preferable), but he needs to develop a move that he feels 100% confident taking every time he is in the post. What I see when Dalembert posts up is a man lost and confused. He has no idea what to do when he gets the rock inside and often he takes one dribble nowhere and passes. Or he will make a host of ineffective fakes or spins and take a contested, off-balanced shot. When you watch good low-post players you can quickly and easily point out their signature moves. I think we all agree we don’t want or think Dalembert is good enough to improvise in the post, therefore he should be more robotic and go with his trusted move until someone learns to stop it. With his length a hook shot with both hands would be nearly indefensible.
Mid-range jump shot. I took a trip over to 82games.com to research Sammy’s detailed shooting stats. What I found was 42% of his shots are 2-pt jumpers, and he is only shooting 35.5%. Whereas he is shooting 62.8% on his inside shots. The number that should stand out the most is the high % of jumpers he is taking. I’d like to see his shooting % in this area around 45% or better. This would make him a much bigger threat in the pick-and-pop game that killed the Sixers during the Detroit series. It isn’t like these shots are tough, or highly contested either. Most of the time he is wide open in four locations: the elbows and short corners. If we get a post scorer that can command a double team, Dalembert’s short jumpers will be even more important to the offensive success of the 76ers.
Passing. This one is tough because passing is more mental than skill practice and repetition and we all know Dalembert’s basketball IQ isn’t the highest. But if we get a scoring PF we will desperately need Dalembert to be capable of making solid high-low passes. He is rarely double-teamed so I am less concerned with his passing out of the post. With that said, he could still improve his passing to cutters when he is on the block.

Should Dalembert Be on the Roster Next Season?

Without question. I don’t know what Sixers fans think, but you can’t easily replace a top 10 rebounder and top 5 shot blocker in the NBA and that is exactly what we get from Dalembert. Oh, not to mention he is ONLY 26-years-old! Feel free to disagree, but I stand firm on this point.

Ideal Role for Samuel Dalembert on the 2008 Team

Let’s keep it simple for Samuel so he doesn’t get confused at any point during the season. Play solid post defense, it will help the team if they don’t have to double your guy in the post. Block shots in help defense situations, keep doing what you’re doing here. Make your free throws and open 15-17 jump shots. If you improve just those two areas you go from a 10 PPG scorer to a 15-16 PPG scorer. Finally, don’t be a distraction with ridiculous comments in the media!

I am looking for continued improvement with Dalembert next season on the offensive end and in his decision making. I don’t see why he can’t play the role that say a Tyson Chandler does for the 50+ win Hornets.

Next - Thaddeus Young

See all players reviewed in the Evaluating the ‘07-’08 76ers Series

Slam Dunk Central Reporter Stephen Rhodes’ 2008 NBA Mock Draft

Thu, 6 Jun 2008 17:05:44 GMT

posted by Cartman

Yesterday I covered the Phoenix Suns’ draft needs and projected their selection with their first-round pick. Today, I cover the Philadelphia 76ers’ draft needs and also predict who I think they will draft with their first-round pick.

Philadelphia 76ers

Draft Position - #16

Needs - Power forward, center. The Sixers are set at PG, SG and SF. Jason Smith is the closest thing to a power forward that they have on their roster, hence the need for a PF. And it would be nice to get a decent backup to Samuel Dalembert at center, as well. I think the center position can be addressed through free agency.

Philadelphia 76ers select: Kosta Koufos, C, Ohio State

Tomorrow: Toronto Raptors

Five in double-figures as 76ers spank Bucks 114-99

Tue, 28 Nov 2007 04:32:21 GMT

posted by Cartman

The Philadelphia 76ers’ mentality as of late has been that they have nothing to lose, especially in light of the fact they are in a current 4 games in 5 nights stretch. It also helped them that they shot especially well Tuesday night, shooting 52% from the floor. The hot shooting enabled the 76ers to beat the Milwaukee Bucks 114-99 at Milwaukee.Philadelphia built a healthy 32-18 after one quarter, but Milwaukee would gain most of that back, trailing by only 4 at halftime. The Sixers would quickly build their lead up to 90-76 after a pair of free throws by center Samuel Dalembert. Philadelphia would proceed to bring in the reserves after forward Jason Smith’s jumper put the lead at 100-83 midway through the 4th quarter.

5 Sixers scored in double-figures, led by Dalembert with 22 points, 8 rebounds and 3 blocked shots. Forwards Andre Iguodala and reserve Kyle Korver scored 20 each; Iguodala dished out 11 assists, as well. Guard Andre Miller had a strong game, scoring 18 with 8 rebounds and 9 assists. Milwaukee was led by Michael Redd with 17 points and 8 rebounds, while reserve F Charlie Villanueva added 16 and Mo Williams added 14. Philadelphia (4-9) returns home to host the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, while Milwaukee (7-5) travels to Atlanta to face the Hawks, also on Wednesday.

Dalembert Concerned With Foot Pain

Fri, 13 Oct 2007 01:07:18 GMT

posted by Cartman

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported on Friday that Philadelphia 76ers center Samuel Dalembert may have suffered a setback in his recovery from a stress fracture in his left foot. The 26 year old center originally suffered the injury working out with Team Canada this Summer. He had been wearing a walking boot, and was slowly increasing his practice sessions on a daily basis. Dalembert said that he felt good after his longest session on Wednesday, but started to experience pain Thursday during drills which curtailed his workout. Dalembert says he is being cautious so he can be in good health for the regular season. The center has been in the league since the 2001-2002 season and has spent his entire career in Philly. Dalembert had his best season last campaign playing in all 82 games averaging 10.7 points and 8.9 rebounds per game.

Samuel Dalembert: Demolition Man

Mon, 29 Apr 2008 23:37:00 GMT

posted by johndewar

Sammy, Sammy, Sammy. Did you lose a bet? What's up with that haircut? (Photo from yahoo.com (Allen Einstein/NBAE via Getty Images))