 Source: Philly.com
Author: Kate Fagan - Inquirer Staff Writer
"Maurice Cheeks isn't on the sideline with the 76ers' NBA Summer League team, but he still is evaluating the players and offering the type of commentary only a coach can. During one third-quarter possession in last night's 81-73 win over the Lakers, Thaddeus Young caught the ball on the block. "Go to work, Thad," Cheeks said from his seat in the stands. "Go to work."
Through the first four days of the NBA Summer League - held at the Thomas & Mack Center on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus - Young seems to be doing just that.
He finished with 16 points last night and is averaging 21.7 through three games.
One NBA representative noted that Young was one of the top three players in the 21-team, 10-day league.Cheeks said Young still was trying to adapt to the small-forward position. As a rookie last season, Young scored 8.2 points per game at power forward, but last week's free-agent signing of two-time all-star power forward Elton Brand means Young will shift positions."
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The Sixers add more experience to the bench signing free agent Donyell Marshall. The contract is believed to be for $1,262,275, the veterans' minimum for players with at least 10 seasons of experience in the NBA, with a portion of the salary coming from a league-wide pool. Marshall wanted to come home and play for his home town team. The Sixers had targeted Marshall for weeks in the hopes of adding another perimeter shooter to the fold. Marshall role is uncertain but having another veteran presence should only help the Sixers and provide them even more depth.
The Philadelphia 76ers have signed free agent center Theo Ratliff. Ratliff will add depth to the front court and helps due to the injury of Jason Smith. Last season Ratliff played with the Pistons. Ratliff known for his defense, particularly shot blocking has shown even at age 35 can still be a presence in the low block. Ratliff received other offers for more money but felt Philadelphia was a better fit. The Sixers may be done with the roster but looks to have formulated a strong team for the 2008-2009 season.
The Sixers finally got one of their key pieces resigned. Andre Iguodala, a restricted free agent has agreed to terms to resign with the Philadelphia 76ers for a reported 6 years, 80 million dollars. The official announcement is expected today around 3 3p.m. EST. Andre Iguodala averaged 19.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 2.1 steals last season. Despite not playing well in the postseason last season, Iguodala was able to get the deal he has been coveting for some time.
This is a nice interview with new Sixer Elton Brand.
Sixers big man Jason Smith torn his left ACL in a NBA camp in Las Vegas. Sixers GM & President Ed Stefanski noted that Smith was not injured by contact. Smith was beginning his second season out of Colorado State. 
The Sixers are wrapping up a deal to re-sign Louis Wiliiams that may be in the range of 25-27 million. Williams broke out last season to produce his best output as a Sixer. Williams recorded 11 points per game in 23 minutes per game. Williams look to be a key young piece in the Sixers future. Ed Stefanski continually noted the importance of resigning Louis Wiliams. The deal is not finalize yet pending a few details to be ironed out. 
The Philadelphia 76ers will announce the signing of free agent Kareem Rush. Rush last season posted 8 points per game for the Pacers. The addition of Rush will add some much needed shooting to the Sixers core and will be looked upon to provide a perimeter threat with his 3 point range.
The Sixers pulled off a major signing by getting career 20 point, 10 rebound stud Elton Brand. Brand a two time All Star looks to solidify a huge gap the Sixers had at the power forward spot. He will also become the Sixers best player immediately. Brand looks to help out restricted free agent Andre Iguodala with the scoring load if he resigns with the Sixers. Does the addition of Brand makes the Sixers one of the better teams in the East? You would have to think so simply because of what they were able to accomplish last year, the East isn't the West loaded with great teams and the fact that they played a good veteran Pistons team in the playoffs tough, there is a feeling of optimism that hovers in Philadelphia. Obviously there are some concerns about Brand's health but hypothetically speaking if he remains healthy throughout the year, the Sixers have a very good starting five that can compete and have a chance to win every night.
