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Post trade deadline, Miami Heat moved the needle - Philadelphia 76'ers did not

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The Celtics-rival Miami Heat were already performing well beyond pre-season expectations, currently in fourth place in the Eastern Conference with a 34-16 record. They have now undoubtedly improved by adding Andre Iguodala, Jae Crowder and Solomon Hill to the fold via a trade that sent Justise Winslow, Dion Waiters and James Johnson to the Memphis Grizzlies.


Iguodala's addition gives the Heat a former Finals MVP that brings veteran leadership, playoff savvy and versatility. He will make a positive difference. The acquisition of Crowder can not be minimized. In 29.4 minutes per game, he is averaging 9.9 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 2.8 APG and 1.0 SPG. He brings much-needed toughness and further depth at Miami's wing position. This trade moved the needle in a positive direction for Pat Riley's Heat.

Not so with the Sixers trade for the Warriors' Glenn Robinson III and Alec Burks. With the 76'ers sending three second-round picks to Golden State in return, Philly will have to make some cuts from their present roster.


Admittedly, the Sixers added some much-needed outside shooting with the acquisition of Robinson III and Burks, but the major issue remains unsolved - that is, the lack of cohesiveness of this team. The 76'ers have vastly under-achieved this season, currently sitting in sixth place in the East with a 31-21 record and experiencing a 4-game losing streak. They are 22-2 at home and an abysmal 9-19 on the road, clearly showing lack of discipline, mental fortitude - and possibly well-defined leadership.

This is not what Al Horford bargained for when he bolted from Boston to Philadelphia in the off-season. Al may have been a quiet leader in Boston, but that quality has disappeared in Philly. His new team is strangely-constructed, and the design is clearly not working as planned. It is doubtful if the addition of Glenn and Alec can make a significant difference.

Follow Tom at @CelticsSentinel, @CausewayStreet and Facebook
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