The Opening Tip
Hello and Happy Thursday, it's the Corner Three!
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What's better than one all-star? Two! What's even better than that? A team above .500! (GFY Boston)
Hit the music!
Oh Yeah,The SixersÂ
The good guys are 5-5 in their last ten (yuck) but remain atop the Eastern Conference with the Nets heavy on their asses and finally..finally..finally.. beat the Raptors in Tor...uh..Tampa!
Take a Bow:
Joel Embiid
4 straight all-star appearances, not too shabby for a guy who at one time was thought to not ever be able to play basketball again after a foot injury. I haven't run out of superlatives yet but man, the dude is just on a different level than his contemporaries right now. As is customary while being a fan of this team, no good thing is complete without an accompanying worry so I (We) will be keeping close eye on the big fella's back. You'll recall it was injured when current 2nd place guy in MVP race, Lebron James, pushed him during a dunk attempt like a coward. Anyway! The all-star break can't come soon enough because something tells me the mad dash for the one seed in the East is going to be insane so it'll be all hands on deck for sure.Â
Ben Simmons
3 straight all-star appearances. Defensive Player of the Year candidate (maybe front runner). We know what Ben doesn't excel/hasn't progressed at and those shortcomings are very well documented but as of late he's settled in nicely and really gone above and beyond in overcompensating in the areas he's best, secondary break, terrorizing defense, and quick decisions when the ball is in his hands. He'll need all of that and then some (a corner three or two? just kidding..unless) in the playoffs.Â
Doc Rivers
He tried his best to sidestep having to coach the all-star game but such is life when you're the captain of the best team in the East. Not a bad problem to have.Â
Tobias Harris
Consideration for an all-star spot was more than warranted, ironically though, feels like his own teammate may have been the reason he didn't get in. Such is life in the league though and his teammates and coaches know exactly how much he means. Everything else....Politics as Usual.
Road Ahead
The guys have some goodies against the Mavericks, Pacers and Jazz coming up to cap off the first half of the season. Here's hoping they can create some breathing room or atleast stay afloat before taking a much needed and well deserved break to recharge and finish strong before playoffs.Â
Stateside... The Only Cool Vodka
Stateside Vodka is the best vodka in America, and it's made right here in Philly. Now you can get it across the country. Order here at the link, available for order in 44 states. Or maybe order could get their Briney Mary cocktail kit, or their Vodka Mule kit. You better be at least 21, and you better be enjoying responsibly. Of course, you can still pick it up curbside in Philly.
Five New Songs To Hear
Our music podcast for people that actually like all kinds of music. Jason and AU joined the pod this week to talk about five NEW songs including Olivia Rodrigo and Pooh Shiesty. And check out Mutlu's 'drivers license' cover.
Charity Spotlight
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Founded in 2001, the Pettaway Pursuit Foundation (PPF) PPF was incorporated as a non-profit educational and community outreach organization, serving low income families in Philadelphia and its surrounding counties and more importantly, providing counseling and support of all kinds to expecting and new mothers. Please read more about their incredible work and how you can help.Â
The Rest From The Best
Want to impress your friends? Read Mike O'Connor's new column that gives you four WEIRD Sixers stats and what you should think of them.
It's ok to feel hope! Maybe some years the Lebron PR machine takes a narrative and does a 40 yard dash with it, but maybe this year isn't one of those. Andrew Unterberger with a well thought reminder that we don't have to accept the LBJ MVP narrative this year.
So we definitely need another guy. However! What if we had two other guys? (Both of whom I approve of). Sixers Adam has us covered with two potential trade targets before the March 25 trade deadline.Â
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New Pod
Peace, Love and Process
Be Good to yourself and each other, and go for a walk.Â
-Zo