I ADMIT THAT I am not all in yet with the 76ers, but I'm thisclose.
It won't take much to pull me on to the bandwagon.
That's why tonight's home opener against the Detroit Pistons is one of the biggest in years. I think the best way to describe most Sixers fans is aggressively skeptical but willing to be convinced. They're just looking for a sign, a positive step forward from this franchise that will give them a reason to give it a fair shake.
The Sixers are the last team in this lockout-shortened season to have a home opener. Every other team in the league has had two home games and most have had at least three.
But after completing a four-game road swing out West and then playing in New Orleans on Wednesday, the Sixers bring a 3-2 record into the Wells Fargo Center.
No, they haven't played with complete consistency, but consider that of the 24 teams that have played at least three road games, the Sixers, Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat and Oklahoma City Thunder are the only ones with winning road records. Even the most jaded Sixers fan has to admit that qualifies as a strong start, especially since it easily could be a 4-1 record.
With tickets starting as low as $10, hot dogs for $1 and the new ownership promising a host of fan-friendly "out-of-game" activities, the Sixers should get a decent crowd tonight. Still, while all of that stuff is nice, the organization has to know that the thing that will generate the most buzz is a competitive team - one that shows it can move up the hierarchy in the Eastern Conference.
It has been more than a decade since the Sixers capped their last great era with a trip to the 2001 Finals. Since then, they have had just three winning seasons. They have made the playoffs six times but haven't won a series since 2003.
The Sixers have spun their wheels in the sand for the better part of a decade, leaving their fans with the distinct impression that the team can be no better than mediocre.
It's on the coaches and players to make people believe. The 3-2 start has allowed the Sixers to step away a bit from behind the eight ball. At the very least, it makes you think that maybe there is more to this team than I initially thought.
Come on, Sixers, show us something. You have 18 of your next 22 games at the Wells Fargo Center. Give us something tonight that makes us want to come back.
