17 years ago, Charles Barkley was a Philadelphia 76er who was disgruntled with management and the coaches and players they surrounded him with. He begged for a way out and finally got it with a very lopsided trade to the Phoenix Suns the following season.

That year, Barkley (who went onto win the league’s MVP trophy and made his first appearance in an NBA final) returned to Philadelphia for the first time as an opposing player. The fans showed their love of Sir Charles with an elongated standing ovation when he was introduced during the pre game warm-ups. They also cheered every time he touched the ball. They roared approval every time he scored. They screamed when he grabbed a rebound and literally ran out to hug him when he went to the free throw line.

It was a genuine Barkley love fest that still is profound whenever he is seen in the area today. Outside of Philly, you loved or hated Barkley, but inside of the city… there was nothing but love for the man….

Last night the Sixers rolled into Auburn Hills and as they looked across the court at the Pistons, they must have sensed something, because they took control of the game from the get go.

Led by Rodney Carney and Andre Iguodala, the Sixers quickly jumped out to a double digit lead, and went into the half with a 48-42 lead. However, at the start of the second half, the Pistons seemed to find their stride, starting the 3rd quarter with a 21-9 run to take a 63-57 lead.

But the Sixers continued to show the fight they’ve displayed since January. They don’t get down and keep fighting, even if the chances seem slim. They never concede defeat and that is why they are now just 1 game behind Washington for the 6th playoff seed. The next four weeks could actually be really fun.

Reggie Evans (12 points, 11 rebounds) continues to show how good of a player he really is. Iguodala (22 points, 3 steals) led all scorers and laid down a disgusting slam. …

There is a professional basketball team in Philadelphia… they go by the name “Sixers”. I think it represents the 6 in 76… as in 1776, the birth year of our Nation. Yeah, no kidding… I actually watched them play the Boston Celtics the other night. They lost by 14. But that’s not what I really saw.

Andre Miller, the point guard, runs up and down the floor, dancing with the ball… leading teammates with passes that let them get open. I saw a kid named “Sweet” Lou Williams show bursts of speed and athleticism that reminded me of a guy that used to play around here named Allen Iverson.

I watched a bearded man diving for loose balls, pushing larger men around the court and clearing space for teammates darting to the basket. I think his name was Reggie Evans. Oh, and then there’s these two other guys. They both create their own shots and seemingly can jump out of the building. Some of their fast break dunks would have made Michael Jordan …