:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/2557005/GYI0064448730.jpg)
The grueling five-month NBA lockout has finally ended and a shortened, 66-game schedule is set to begin on Christmas Day. NBA training camps and NBA free agency will begin December 9.
Kate Fagan of Deep Sixer has more details from a Sixers perspective:
The Sixers will hold training camp at their practice facility, the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
[snip]
Although there's nothing definitive yet about the Sixers' 66-game schedule for the 2011-12 season, the Sixers will begin the season on the road.
The shortened off-season will be a crucial time for the Sixers, especially for a new ownership group who has owned the team for less than two months. They're already forced to make tough decisions regarding Thaddeus Young and Spencer Hawes – both of whom are restricted free agents. Hawes started 81 games at center for the Sixers last season and Thaddeus Young averaged 13 points and 5 rebounds for one of the league's most prolific benches. A mishandling of either player – Thaddeus Young in particular – could set the franchise back years.
From free agency, to finding a new mascot, the Sixers new owners will be thrown into the fire immediately. I guess that's why they brought the Fresh Prince on board.
-- For more on the conclusion of the lockout Sixers news visit our blog, Liberty Ballers.