Terry Hanson Suffers Torn MCL, Out For SeasonPHILADELPHIA, PA -- The Philadelphia 76ers will be without rising star Terry Hanson for the rest of the season, after the high-flying swingman suffered a torn MCL in the Sixers' 133-88 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats.
Hanson, who came off the bench for the first time in his NBA career, played just seven minutes before suffering the injury on a sickening landing early in the fourth quarter. His benching came as a surprise to many after averaging just under 30 ppg through his first eleven games, with most fans and pundits alike assuming that he would slide back to the shooting guard spot upon Carmelo Anthony's return from a concussion. However, coach Johnny Davis elected to continue starting Michael Carter-Williams in a dual point guard backcourt with reigning MVP and Finals MVP Andrew Begley.
"It's absolutely the last thing we wanted, obviously," A-Train commented after the game. "He's a vital part of our team, he's a star for us. We've all got to step up in his absence, but it sucks. Terry's a competitor, I can't imagine how hard it'll be for him to have to sit out the year. We just want him to heal up and come back better than ever, because we all love playing with him."
This is the second major injury of Terry Hanson's career, as the third year player suffered a high ankle sprain mere minutes into Game 1 of the 76ers' first round series with the Toronto Raptors in last year's Playoffs, and ended up missing the rest of the postseason. The injury came just five games after Melo's return following a similar season-ending knee injury in the 2016 Playoffs.
"I'm heartbroken, but I'm not going to let it destroy me, or define my career," a defiant Hanson declared following the prognosis. "I'm still going to support our team and as soon as I can, I'll be back out there."
Turmoil Threatening Philly's Drive for Five?By Skip T. GrindA-Train encounters a triple team against the BullsPHILADELPHIA, PA -- The 76ers are undefeated so far in the 2018 season, and indeed haven't lost a game since March 2017. They're going for a fifth-straight championship, something that hasn't been done since the days of Bill Russell's Boston Celtics. And yet, things aren't exactly harmonious in the City of Brotherly Love.
Terry Hanson's devastating season-ending knee injury is just the tip of the iceberg. His benching in favour of starting Michael Carter-Williams - an overpaid and underperforming fifth year player whom the 76ers inexplicably signed to an extension - speaks to an even bigger problem that is said to be causing a major rift in the 76ers' locker room.
Rumour has it that four-time MVP and Finals MVP Andrew Begley isn't happy. The star point guard re-signed with Philadelphia this past offseason following months of speculation, and despite their hot start, he may be already regretting his decision. A-Train's bond with Hanson is well-documented, their chemistry undeniable. As such, he's reportedly not at all pleased with the unceremonious benching of his teammate, nor is he thrilled about having to share ballhandling duties with Carter-Williams.
"Terry's injury was a tipping point," one anonymous source said. "Andrew was already miffed about some of (Johnny) Davis' coaching decisions, not to mention MCW getting an extension long before he did. There are whispers that Davis is getting the blame for Terry's injury, bringing him in cold like that after benching him for no good reason. I wouldn't be surprised if there's a push for change on the sidelines."
Although it would seem uncharacteristic for A-Train to play politics like that, an Eastern Conference GM agrees it's feasible. "If I had a player who was averaging a triple-double for the fourth time in five seasons, in position to lead us to another ring, I'd be listening to him, and trying to make him happy any way I could," they commented. "He's been a model player since he came into the league. Ask anyone, and they'll tell you that if he's considering throwing his weight around and making demands, the team has messed up big time and left him feeling frustrated and disrespected."
Said another executive "If he ends up demanding out - and from what I've heard, he might if they can't work things out - it's going to ruin them. Wherever he goes, they're going to shoot to the top, and he's going to make the Sixers pay every time he faces them for the rest of his career. I can't believe they've even let it get to this point."
It's easy to paint A-Train as disgruntled and spoiled given the 76ers' success, but that's ignoring the large hand he's had in Philadelphia becoming a dynasty in the first place. He continues to play hard every game, having not missed a single contest since his rookie season. Whatever turmoil is going on behind the scenes, he's not letting it affect his performance on the court, and appears to be focused on winning as much as striving for any personal goals. Still, as the Drive for Five becomes more challenging in the face of Hanson's injury, A-Train's frustrations with certain front office and coaching decisions may come to a head.
A-Train isn't the only 76er who allegedly isn't happy right now. Carmelo Anthony's morale has apparently been shaky since last season, a by-product of watching the team win game after game while he was sidelined. The team has been very accommodating of Melo since he returned, and he's been getting plenty of touches, especially with Hanson missing almost all of last year's Playoffs, and now being ruled out for the rest of the 2018 season. Nevertheless, Melo is expected to explore free agency this coming offseason, and word has it that Philly will likely lose him.
Of course, Hanson should be back by then, a prospect that may well keep A-Train in Philadelphia. Indeed, letting Melo walk would have a silver lining, as it would free up a spot in the starting lineup, and allow the team to re-tool around the Begley-Hanson duo. Of course, it remains to be seen whether the team's relationship with A-Train will be further strained as the season wears on. If Philadelphia doesn't trade Carter-Williams and/or replace Johnny Davis, they may find themselves having to accommodate a trade request from their superstar.
That brings us back to the possibility of A-Train pushing 76ers brass to make some major changes. Another source suggests that that's not guaranteed, but also not as unlikely as some may think. "He's a team player," they insist. "He doesn't want to be the guy who forces a teammate off the roster, or a bratty coach killer." The source goes on to suggest that as long as Philadelphia is winning, A-Train may opt to be unselfish, even to a fault. At the same time, they say, it's not unthinkable that he'll suggest changes if he becomes too frustrated or believes that it's in the team's best interests long-term.
As for demanding a trade, according to the same source, it's not impossible either. "His loyalty is really being tested," they explained. "If he becomes disillusioned with that old school idea of spending your entire career with one team, it'll be easier for him to move on. He was strongly considering it before re-signing in the offseason, after all."
Despite all the rumours, the 76ers' on-court chemistry and performance remains impressive, and they're still favourites to win it all again this year. They certainly can't be ruled out, especially after another dominating start to the regular season. Even if they do triumph once again however, it may be their toughest campaign to date - emotionally if nothing else - and there's no telling what the team will look like next year. Until then of course, the 76ers remain the team to beat, and determined to rise above the gossip.
"Our goal is clear: another championship," A-Train has said. "There are always going to be challenges, on and off the court, but we're a team, and we know how to win. That sounds cocky, but we've got four rings that say we know a thing or two about getting the job done. We'll do what needs to be done to keep competing for rings." Could that include some tough conversations and big changes at the behest of their captain and MVP? It seems more likely than ever before. In any event, the Philadelphia 76ers' Drive for Five seems poised to deliver a captivating tale, regardless of the result come June.