Day: October 6, 2012

New shooters give 76ers an outside chance

Jason Richardson

Doug Collins couldn’t have asked for a more fitting backdrop.

Moments after watching his 76ers play a spirited scrimmage at St. Joseph’s Hagan Arena that required an overtime period to settle, the coach discussed a favorite topic: spacing on the floor for his shooters.

Behind him, newly acquired sharpshooter Jason Richardson launched three-pointers, getting in some extra practice at training camp.

One key to the offense is having a big man capable of commanding a double team, drawing would-be perimeter defenders away from good shooters who are capable of making opponents pay.

In center Andrew Bynum, the Sixers feel they have that covered.

The other component is shooters, something the Sixers were woefully short of last season. They believe they have addressed the issue with the acquisition of players like Richardson, Dorell Wright, and Nick Young.

— Reported by John N. Mitchell of the Philadelphia Inquirer

John Andariese retires from Knicks booth

Knicks legendary broadcaster John Andariese, a team radio staple for 40 years known around the Garden as “Johnny Hoops,’’ has stepped down from his color analyst position, the Knicks announced Friday. Andariese called the Knicks’ last championship — in 1973 with Marv Albert.

Andariese will be replaced by Hubie Brown’s son, Brendan Brown. The Knicks had reduced Andariese’s role last season, having him do just home games.

The decision comes on the heels of The Post reporting Wally Szczerbiak will replace Kelly Tripucka on MSG Network’s telecasts, teaming with Alan Hahn in the studio. Last season, radio play-by-play man Spero Dedes took over for veteran Mike Crispino, who remains as a backup.

— Reported by Marc Berman of the New York Post

Thomas Robinson impresses with hustle, skills

Thomas Robinson

It was a simple game of 4-on-4 in his second day of practice.

But it only took a few seconds for Thomas Robinson to show why the Kings are so happy to have him.

There was a missed shot and a rebound to be had, and the rookie from Kansas made sure no one else would grab the basketball.

Robinson sprinted toward the basket and snatched the ball off the rim for a powerful dunk.

Hustle, athleticism and enthusiasm all in one fell swoop.

The Kings have needed someone to play like that for a while.

— Reported by Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee