NBA

Like baseball brethren, 76ers have shot at title

With the acquisition of Brand and its fast-paced style, Philly is a contender

Tom Mihalek / AP

76ers forward Elton Brand, left, tries to get past Cavaliers forward Ben Wallace during a preseason game on Oct. 21.

Q: How much does a coach matter to a team's chance at improvement in today's NBA? Or is it still primarily a "players' league?"
— Vince, Spain

A: A good coach does matter because there are so many bad ones. In all sports, really. The problem with most head coaches, especially in the NBA, is that many get the job without proper training first. You want to be a doctor or an accountant, you go to school for years, take tests and then have some sort of apprenticeship. For the most part, coaches, at least in this era, are former players who, the figuring goes, played so they can coach. Sure, some can do it, but there's a lot more to it than just having played the game. Some of the best never did. And some who trained don't have the right temperament. But when you get the right guy, who generally is a lifer in the game and is all about the game, it does make a difference. Phil Jackson makes a difference. I think Mike D'Antoni will this season in New York. It's a players' league because of the long-term contracts and constant action. A good coach doesn't become the reason for what happens, but he can make that team better.

Q: Can the Houston Rockets and Tracy McGrady finally make it out of the first round and maybe even win an NBA title now that Ron Artest has joined the team?
— Todd B., Washington, D.C.

A: The elements are there, and so are the reasons for McGrady's continued failures. It's not always his fault, but the Rockets are a fragile mix with McGrady already coming into the season off injuries, Yao Ming now having accumulated several foot injuries and Artest leaving the ruins of many teams behind. But they have the elements of success with a post player in Yao to play in the half court, speedy perimeter players to get quick baskets, perimeter shooting and toughness and defense in Artest. They are the mystery team of the West to watch this season.

Q: What is your opinion of the Washington Wizards, considering all the injuries that have hit the team? Can they play .500 ball this season?
— Ogbonna Hopkins, Maryland

A: I doubt it. Losing Gilbert Arenas again — and I'd begin to worry long term with still more issues for him — and Brendan Haywood after his best and first good season, leaves the Wizards on the outside of the playoff group. In the East, that's in the 35-win morass, and there are several more healthy teams around that talent level. Looks like a bad season for them.

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