Look at the Losers: Philadelphia 76ers - FanHouse - AOL Sports Blog

For a team that looked destined for the lottery early in the year, the Sixers deserve a lot of credit for not only making the playoffs but also making the Pistons sweat. There are a lot of talented young pieces on this 76ers team, and a coach who knows how to help them improve. This team will be back next year, and if they invest their free agent dollars wisely, they may even contend for home court advantage. (No, seriously.) Let's recap their playoff run:

How They Got to the Dance: Believe it or not, the 76ers were actually one of the hottest teams in the league for a stretch in the second half, winning 19 of 24 from early February to late March. Losing five of six right at the end of the regular season kept them from posting a winning record (they finished 40-42), but that second-half surge was the result of a very young team taking the next step.

How They Got Bounced: Simply put, the Pistons woke up. The Sixers should be commended for jumping out to a 2-1 series lead, but the Pistons were just too deep, too talented and too experienced to simply roll over. That said, it would've helped Andre Iguodala failed to live up to top banana status, a role for which he may or may not be suited; the team's leading scorer in the regular season, Iguodala was held to just 13 points a night on 30% shooting. Even if the team's two wins he was largely irrelevant, a performance that likely cost him a few million off his next contract.

Can't Blame This Guy: Reggie Evans didn't start a single game, but he was a beast early in the series, posting a double-double in the first two games. He reverted back to his regular offensively-deficient ways as the series progressed but remained a nuisance on the boards even in limited minutes. Andre Miller also came up big in the first three games but fell like a rock in the last two, shooting just 9-33 from the field with just five assists.

Summer Vacation Plans: GM Ed Stefanski has his work cut out for him this summer with over $30 million coming off the books. Re-signing restricted free agents Iguodala and Louis Williams will take up a chunk of that dough, but there should still be enough left over to add another impact free agent, which should relieve some of the pressure on Iggy to come through every night.Once upon a time it seemed guaranteed that veteran point guard Andre Miller would be moved, but while some teams will be interested in his expiring contract, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Sixers keep him around to see if his steady presence can't help this team take the next step.