What does the future hold for 76ers?

It’s general manager Billy King’s job to bring in a big free agent as well as a solid pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. He already has one of the best point guards in Andre Miller, rising star Andre Iguodala and promising rookie Rodney Carney in the fold, but there is something missing from this team.

Samuel Dalembert does not put forth the consistent effort a big man should every night, and patch-up pieces in the middle such as Steven Hunter and Alan Henderson are more of a liability than an asset for head coach Mo Cheeks.

Cheeks did a decent job with this team even after superstar Allen Iverson was dealt to the Denver Nuggets. Cheeks was able to squeeze out every bit of talent from his players, including young guards Louis Williams and Willie Green. Sharp-shooting forward Kyle Korver adjusted to his new role off the bench and even discovered how to play defense.

Williams is averaging 14.0 points over his last four games.

Defense can always use some more work which is a big reason why Philly missed the playoffs for a second straight year and for the third time in four seasons.

But the Sixers’ needs for the 2007-08 season must be addressed early, and King should be held accountable if it doesn’t work. Heck, his job should be on the line anyway especially if he doesn’t make any significant improvements before the opening tip-off.

Currently the Sixers have won five of their last seven games with two contests remaining on the 2006-07 schedule. Philadelphia will host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday at the Wachovia Center before visiting the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday at the Air Canada Centre.

The 76ers are 21-19 as the host this season and 13-27 away from the City of Brotherly Love.

Iguodala has missed three of the last four games with a strained lower back, but is averaging 20.0 points, 6.1 rebounds and 6.7 assists since the beginning of February (29 games). He is expected to miss the remainder of the season.

Iggy certainly took over the image of the franchise after Iverson was dealt, and is averaging 18.2 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.7 assists through 76 games this season. Besides his monster dunks, savvy passing and hard-nosed defense, Iguodala could work on his jumper for next season.

If King can swing a deal for a power forward or a more define center, Iguodala will only thrive and then some under Cheeks. It also would be stupid to deal Miller right now even though he is a hot commodity, but then his departure leaves a gaping hole in the offense.