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In some ways, I continue to remain more hopeful about the future of the Philadelphia 76ers than the present. Chris Webber didn't work out the way we hoped he would, and Allen Iverson has brought us to promised land, but we haven't gotten to the mountain-top on his shoulders. This off-season is in flux for many reasons. A lot of the young talent needed to be re-signed and there just isn't much money in the budget for new additions.

As with most Sixers seasons, I see the state of the Sixers as hopeful but guarded.

I've taken some flack for my opinions among friends, but I am ecstatic about the signing of the young trio of Willie Green, Kyle Korver and Samuel Dalembert. I truly believe all three players will be something special in the future. I'm not suggesting that each will be an all star, but each will develop a game that will help the team.

Dalembert is one of the most promising centers in the NBA. I knew I believed in his athletic ability the first time I saw him on court -- when he exploded to try and steal a jump ball. Over the years, he has developed a strong defensive game as well.

Dalember does have his faults. He needs to work on his discipline, keep his footwork in line, and stop fouling so much. But these issues can all be overcome with training and determination. Dalembert can be a great center.

Korver, viewed as a two-trick pony (shoots threes, and allegedly looks like Ashton Kutcher), is already an excellent three-point specialist. Last season he began developing a mild drive move, which helped clear room for threes. Korver could wind up being better than Steve Kerr or Steve Smith.

And Green, often underrated because Jim O'Brien barely played him, is an athletic and hard-nosed defender. Green won't be a superstar, but I think he'll become a good defensive guard with some useful offensive moves.

Andre Iguodala is clearly a bright spot. Big things are expected of him.

I'm glad Jim O'Brien is gone. He didn't try to make the team develop a strong post game, relying too heavily on spreading the floor with perimeter plays. He held onto his defensive and offensive schemes for far too long, especially his weak-side defense. (Remember when Donyell Marshall burned us from 3-point land?). I was personally not a fan of Jim O'Brien's coaching and I'm hoping Mo Cheeks can bring some more cohesion to the team.

But, of course, it's not all great in Sixerland. A new system is going into place for the fourth time in at least four years. Which means players will have to get used to yet another scheme. Chris Webber didn't do so well under O'Brien's system, but I believe he will do better in Mo Cheek's system. His knees and alleged jump are key. Also, he needs to return to at least somewhat of a franchise player. And hopefully there isn't tension between him and Iverson.

And although I believe Korver, Green and Dalembert will have bright futures, there is no guaranteeing that they'll have great seasons.

The salary situation is out of control. Instead of holding onto Glenn Robinson for his expiring contract, he was traded for Mashburn and Rogers. Rogers is gone, but will Mashburn retire or will the Sixers seek relief for his contract, since he clearly can't play? His contract is eligible for ETO, but will they take advantage?

I think we'll see the end of Josh Davis in a Sixers uniform. For some, this means nothing. But as you can tell by my talks on Green, Korver and Dalembert, I like young, developing talent and I think Davis deserves another shot with the Sixers.

So I have, as always, muted optimism for the Sixers. But right now, I think that the team is in too much disarray to hope for much. The real season will come when the young players -- especially Andre Iguodala -- develop their full games and the Sixers can make a run for the title. But until then, there's always hope, isn't there?