Elsewhere in South Philadelphia

Surprising Flyers, Puzzling Sixers Appear Headed in Different Directions

WHILE PHILADELPHIA laments the Phillies' demise and scratches its head over what to make of the Eagles, the Flyers have quietly come roaring out of the gate. They shut out their old nemesis the Devils last night, notching their fifth win against just a single loss. With Paul Holmgren transitioning the team from the lumbering grinders of the Bob Clarke era to a squad that's younger, quicker, and more skilled, the Flyers have proved themselves worth keeping an eye on. It'll be fun to watch them come together this season.

Their Comcast-Spectacor siblings, meanwhile, have struggled through the NBA preseason. The 76ers have not been as swift as the Flyers to adapt to their new circumstances; in the case of the Sixers, it's finding an identity in the post-Iverson era. They did a nice job in the second half last year, better than a lot of people thought they would, but they have a lot of work to do in figuring out what kind of team they're going to be. The Sixers are 0-4 thus far, albeit in meaningless games. Samuel Dalembert is on the shelf with a foot injury, greatly limiting the team's defense, and the Answer's 25 points per night are showing up on Denver's scoreboard. There are good, likable, young players here, but they haven't coalesced yet. I don't envy Maurice Cheeks his job. | SC

Comments

[Bill]

You are right, the Flyers have been more fun to watch. Winning should help them get everyone's attention back!

As for the Sixers, they will be lucky to win 25 games this year. Billy King must have photos of Ed Snider and farm animals to stay employed.