Sixers One Player Away From Contending?

Photo from Philly.com.

Thanks, Sixers, for giving us a series that was better than advertised. Everyone had Pistons-Sixers written off as a sweep, or maybe in five with a little luck, but I don't think anyone had this team pegged for going up 2-1 on the Cyclops of the East (think sleeping giant, but one without any peripheral vision). So what do the Sixers need to become a contender in the East?

1. Re-sign Louis Williams and Jason Smith.
2. Develop, develop, develop.
3. Do everything humanly possible to bring Elton Brand to Philadelphia (or if not Brand, someone who can score in the half court).
   

And that's it, folks. It's really not that hard these days for the Sixers. Maurice Cheeks is a talented coach, and one that can keep this group motivated. Andre Miller, while aging, can hopefully pass off some knowledge to Lou Williams. Thaddeus Young and Rodney Carney are both a little raw, but are both tremendous athletes who just need some time. Iggy needs to realize that he's not going to be that top dog, at least not for a contending team -- and it's not because he doesn't have that killer instinct, or because his hands are too small or whatever. I just don't think Iguodala's game is conducive to being an alpha dog. He takes a lot of bad shots, gambles on steals, and at times is dreadfully inefficient. But, put him in the secondary role of the offense and you have a bonafide star, someone who can shoot from deep, take it straight to the rim, or make the right pass. A solid 4 would be a great compliment, and could really put this team over the top. Assuming the young core continues to improve and doesn't hit a sophmore slump, a lineup of Miller, Iguodala, Young, Brand, and Dalembert could be really fearsome out East (yes, even against the Celtics). Jason Smith may be a pretty good player, but that time is not coming soon; though he displays both potential and on-court work ethic, he is still much too unrefined to be a consistent contributor. I don't think he will ever be the kind of talent at the 4 that can take this team to the next level. But this team hustles, works, and plays defense -- look no further than Reggie Evans for the symbolic leader of this team -- and if they could score or well...do much of anything in the half court (something Brand can most definitely provide, not to mention that he only furthers the on-court leadership and gritty determination of this squad), the Pistons might have been staring down the barrel of a 3-1 deficit.