Q: Expectations were high for the 76ers after signing Elton Brand during the offseason. Were we all fooled or is this just a slow start?
— Marcus, Philadelphia

A: The 76ers are not as bad as they looked at the start of the season, when they fell to the Timberwolves and Heat. The slow start certainly could be attributed to a revamped roster and rotation.

In addition to working in Brand, the 76ers are fast-tracking the development of Thaddeus Young and Lou Williams. And that takes time.

Then there is the adjustment to Brand's game, which tends to include more fadeaway jumpers than bona-fide post moves.

In recent games, though, Philadelphia seems to be getting things figured out.

What has to come next is a step by Andre Iguodala to learn how to play as a complementary component, unlike the focal-point approach he enjoyed during last season's closing charge.

All of that said, this remains a team with a somewhat fragile foundation.

Samuel Dalembert is so limited offensively that opponents are consistently hiding their weakest front-line defender on the shot-blocking center.

Then there's Maurice Cheeks, who is wonderful at rallying emerging teams, but has yet to show the ability to push his teams to the next level.

The 76ers should be fine when it comes to another playoff berth.

Beyond that, this hardly is a complete roster.

Q: Where do you think P.J. Carlesimo will return: To the college ranks or land another assistant job in the NBA?
— Chioke Hassan, Baltimore, Md.

A: Wow, after all the follow-up commentary to Carlesimo's dismissal from the Thunder, we're not sure he won't be spending coming months or even years ducking for cover.

Dating to the Portland and Golden State tenures, we always knew he had a bit of an edge to him in the locker room, certainly was different than the affable presence he cast while serving elsewhere as an assistant coach.

Yet upon his dismissal in Oklahoma City, there seemed to be a palpable relief from those who insisted Carlesimo lacked any semblance of people skills and simply couldn’t be bothered hearing out younger players.

From there, there seemingly was ridicule about playing Kevin Durant at shooting guard. (One of interim-replacement Scott Brooks' first moves was to recast Durant at forward.)

For the amount of time Carlesimo has spent in the NBA, a return to the college grind, including recruiting, would appear to be the longest of longshots.

But it also would seem a stretch for Carlesimo to be considered for a lead NBA job any time soon.

Instead, expect a buddy from his NBA travels to offer a safe, low-profile role as an assistant, a function P.J. likely will serve the remainder of his coaching career.

Q: Who do you think is the most underrated player in the NBA?
— Anonymous

A: This might sound strange, especially considering he's an Olympian, but Tayshaun Prince does so much more for the Pistons than he's given credit for.

Slide show   Week in Sports Pictures Flying on the hardwood, racing on the rink, getting physical on the gridiron, and much more. more photos

With the Pistons, it has been Chauncey Billups this, Rasheed Wallace that.

Yet Ben Wallace leaves, Chauncey Billups is dealt, Rasheed Wallace falls off, and still the Pistons thrive.

Prince not only scores inside and outside, but does it in such unorthodox ways that even the best defenders struggle for answers.

And on the defensive end, the human coat hanger defends at least three positions, with his length presenting unique problems.

An earlier choice might have been Danny Granger, but the Pacers forward isn't sneaking up on anyone anymore.

Others who don't necessarily get commensurate recognition of their contributions are Udonis Haslem and Raja Bell.

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