Top > Sport > 2006 > January > 2006-01-01

Dalembert Doesn?t Live Up to Expectations

When the 76ers invested $60 million in Samuel Dalembert over the summer they expected more than 8 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. To his defense, Dalembert has recently cane back from an injury so it?s a bit early to pass judgment on whether or not he was worth the money. However, watching him versus Portland this week, it became apparent that he is only good at two things: Jumping and being tall.

Fortunately for him those two things get you paid big money in the NBA. The $60 million contract he was given by the Sixers in the offseason was way, way too much. Sure, he had six blocks, but he also fouled out on poor decisions trying to block shots and was called for at least three goaltends - those you won`t see in the box score.

Dalembert also isn`t much of a rebounder for a guy starting at center in the NBA - his numbers look decent, but anyone who tries can push him out of the way pretty easily. About none of Dalembert`s rebounds came when he had to block out Randolph - leading to Zach`s eight offensive boards.