Samuel Dalembert, The Haitian Sensation

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2007/2008 Season

For the 76ers, the 2007-2007 NBA season was expected to be a "transition season", even maybe a "rebuilding season". The Allen Iverson area was over, the Chris Webber chapter failed; Philadelphia wanted to rebuild around young players such as Andre Iguodala, Louis Williams, and, of course, Samuel Dalembert. Every preseason simulation and prediction announced the 76ers around 20 or 25 wins, and the beginning of the season confirmed the weakness of the Maurice Cheeks's team.

Early December, the Sixers won only 5 of their 17 games, General Manager Billy King was fired. In opposition to the rest of the team (espcially Andre Miller and Andre Iguodala), Samuel played at a decent level. Almost 12pts 9rbs and 2blks in October and November. In December, Samuel rose his level of play, especially in defense (10.8rbs, 3.4blks), and the Sixers allowed more than 100 points in only 4 of the 16 games in December, and won 9 games and lost 7. Surely because of a hard schedule (west coast trip), the Sixers began the month of January with 7 defeats in a row, but however, Samuel stayed hot (20-10 against Utah on the 2nd, 16-16 against Milwaukee on the 8th, 21-20 3 days later against Chicago-his first "double double-double"). In spite of a difficult end of month for the team, January was definitely the best month for Samuel (12.1pts 11.3rbs).

Then came February, and the turning point for the 76ers. From the 5th of February to the 26th of March, the Sixers won 19 games with only 5 defeats, with wins at Phoenix, Detroit, Boston, or San Antonio. Samuel continued to play well, averaging nearly a double-double. The Sixers could now hope to finish in the 8th spots for the playoffs. Despite a pretty bad end of season (only 3 wins for the last 10 games), Philadelphia finished the season with a 40-42 record, in the 7th spot in the Eastern Conference. In this 2007/2008 NBA season, Samuel averaged 10.5pts 10.4rbs and 2.3blks in 33.2min, and played the all 82 games. For the first time in his career, Samuel averaged a double-double for a season.

Finishing 7th in the Eastern Conference, the Sixers had to play another first round against maybe the best team in the East during the last years, the Detroits Pistons. And, in spite of the evident difference betwen the two teams, the veteran Pistons lose the first game at home against the young Sixers, in particular thanks to a great defense and to Samuel (10 rebounds 4 blocks). Of course, Detroit won the second game, but again against all odds, the Sixers managed to win again, in game 3 in Philly with an incredible game for Samuel : 22pts 16rbs 2blks. He had the best game in his playoff career and enabled Philadelphia to lead 2-1 in this series. Unfortunately for the Sixers, the famous Detroit's experience allowed Detroit to dominate the young Sixers and to win the next 3 games. The 76ers were defeated 4-2 in this series.
For his part, Samuel finished his season with a little bit of disappointment. After a great regular season, he averaged 9pts 9.5rbs and 1.7blk in the first round. Maybe a good series, but he was very irregular. Indeed, Samuel scored over 10pts in only two games and he grabbed 10rbs or more only 2 times.

But this doesn't have to darken the great 2007/2008 season of Samuel Dalembert, the best in his career. He became a better player, and the whole Sixers team became a better team. These growing players and the addition of allstar Elton Brand will allow Philadelphia to see big for next year. The Brand-Dalembert duo should be great, because these two players seem very complemntary. With this huge addition, Samuel can have another great year in Philadelphia.