Hoops

Goodbye Gary Ervin?

Get rid of Ervin and make a play for Jamar Wilson. Similar talent, just a much cooler head.

I think we should replace Ervin because we still won games without him and even though he helped us win some games he also helped us lose some. He needs to learn when to take control of the game and when to let the other players in the team help him out but he hasn't so far and i don't think he ever will.

I would have to agree with paul & co. on this one.
Look what stood between the 36ers and the title this season. Home court advantage and Wildcats team for which the stars literally did align.
It's not often that an Ennis-calibre import comes along, and even less often that he ends up on a team that is so complete at all the other positions.

If the 36ers changed absolutely nothing they would have to be a great title shot next season, surely?

Mick has a point about the balance of the roster. While Gibson is a very good all-around player, he is not an elite scoring threat from either the perimeter or from the paint.

It means you need to get both dribble penetration and shooting from the PG and SF positions. With the Sixers having Frye and Creek at SF this season, that put a lot more pressure on Gibson and Ervin to make outside shots.

This is why bringing Teys shooting into the starting lineup at SF had such a positive effect on the Sixers offence. The downside of that was a lack of size and rebounding which Perth exploited pretty decisively in the GF series.

I do think Ervin has improved his jumper significantly since he first came into the league, so if he continues to improve from the perimeter, that could be enough, provided the Sixers can get very good shooting from the SF position.

So the value of keeping Ervin is going to come down to who is brought in at SF and whether or not DJ can be retained (because he also can spread the floor).

Incidentally, there is one scenario where the Sixers could improve if they lost DJ. That is if they were able to replace him with a dominant under the basket big (I'm thinking a Bairstow type). You could then use Ervin's speed to attack the rim, where he would be much more potent if there was a guy he could dish to rather than having to take a tough shot every time. Petrie's ability to stretch the floor at the PF spot would then make it difficult for the D to collapse and stop the drive and dish.

The one problem you've got with only bringing back Gibson, Petrie, Teys and BJ though Mick, is that I believe Schenscher, Cadee and DJ all have another year (or at least an option) on their contracts.

Personally, I would try to keep as much of the team intact as possible, whilst trying to get another outstanding shooter, preferably at the SF position. (Clint Steindl would be sweet but I don't think he's available!)

His twitter feed seems to imply that he is saying goodbye to Adelaide but can't really tell for sure.

"No Mystro, Petrie is more of a scorer."

Petrie averaged 10.9ppg last season.

Vukona averaged 11.2ppg last season.

Am I the only one who would prefer a Johnny Flynn/James Ennis type marquee player instead of a Australian?

There is a good case to have a bit of stability with imports as well

The suspended sentence would make them hesitate to bring Ervin back too?

Its too early to say whether Gary stays or goes. He's a very good player and his confidence, speed, ball-handling and closing ability helped the 36ers a lot this season.

I don't think he did a lot wrong, Perth just had exceptional imports who helped contain Gary's ability to score at the rim. Perth won't necessarily be able to retain such high quality imports next season.

I'd be happy to see him back, it just depends on other factors like whether DJ resigns, how much money is available, how much Gary wants and what other imports are available.

As a South Aussie I would love to see Newley back as well, but not for marquee money. It doesn't sound like the club is in a financially sound enough place to take that kind of risk. If he were to take import-level money and we keep DJ, it could work out nicely, with him essentially slotting into the Jarrid Frye role.

Duffman, I agree that we could use a bit more toughness around the basket, but I think you're wrong to see Petrie as more of a scorer than a hustle guy. If we keep DJ, then really we need to see more mongrel from BJ Anthony off the bench. If DJ goes, then yes a big man with some toughness would be valuable. Cam Bairstow would be the perfect guy if the Sixers could somehow sign him. Not sure if he is even looking at the NBL at this stage though.