Samuel Dalembert, The Haitian Sensation

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2005/2006 Season

New season, and new coach for the Philadelphia 76ers. In effect, after an average season, Billy King decided to change again, he hired Maurice Cheeks late in May.
For Samuel, his future with the Sixers was very uncertain because his contract ended this summer 2006, and many teams wanted to sign him. Finally the 2nd of August, Samuel re-signed with the Sixers ($58M for 6 years). A big contract, Mo Cheeks thought that Samuel could be a major player in the team, no great big mens for Philadelphia, that was clear, Samuel was looked for. Unfortunately, Samuel re-aggravated his quad injury against San Antonio in preseason and was shutdown for 3 weeks. After 14 games, Samuel came back the 27th of November against NY. He started every games, and he realized good games, but Philadelphia finished the year with a 15-15 record.

In January, Samuel elevated his game level, he finished the month at 11.2pts (61%) 10.9rbs and 3.4blks during 15 games. But the schedule is difficult, and Philadelphia didn't better than a 8-7 record. In February, Samuel continued to play well, and he established very good statistics for the year until the 22th of February: 9pts 9.3rbs 3.3blks. But against the Cavaliers, he injured his ankle and was out for one week. Unfortunetaly and inexplicably, Maurice Cheeks choose to put on the court Steven Hunter as a starter in place of Samuel when he returned. In March, Samuel started only one of the 15 games in the month. And while Samuel was on the bench, thes Sixers lost 10 of their 15 games...
In April, Samuel became again starter but his level of play wasn't the one he had in January. Before his injury he was valuable for his team, but after his injury that was clear statistically, he was the shadow of himself. Only 4.8pts 5.6rbs and 1.1blk in 19.6min...

Despite an exceptionnel season from Allen Iverson and good season from Chris Webber and Andre Iguodala, the Sixers never found the good chemistry between AI and the rest of the team, they never could be a solid team, especially because of a lack of defensive rigor.
We can blame Samuel too, because even if his injury destroyed his season, we can't forget his difficulties to attack the rim and to score, and his naive defense. However, his first part of season gave some hopes for next year and his rebound/shot blocking presence make him all the same a good center in the league.