Philadelphia 76ers forward George Lynch
Chat Transcript
Check out what Philadelphia 76er forward George Lynch had to say about his team's quick start, outlook for the rest of the season and much more.
Playing in his eighth year in the NBA, Lynch is enjoying a fine season with Philadelphia. He is averaging 7.5 point and 6.1 rebounds per game while playing almost 30 minutes a game.
Last year, Lynch lead the team in three-point percentage (41.7) and was second in rebounding (7.8), third in steals (1.59), fourth in field goal percentage (46.1) and sixth in scoring (9.6). See chat transcript below.
George Lynch: Hello everyone out there! Sixers fans and Lynch fans. I am happy to be here! and Merry Christmas (belated)!
Question: 6ersrock: George, do you feel the Sixers are getting the respect they deserve with the start we've had this season? Seems the experts are still overlooking you
George Lynch: I think because we are a team with Allen Iverson and he has been controversial, a lot of people try not to give us the credit we are due. We have to go out and earn it. With our play this year and hopefully going farther in the playoffs we will get the respect we deserve.
Question: ilikegeorg: What do you say to people who can't resist dogging Allen Iverson as a thug off the court and as a ball hog on the court?
George Lynch: Everyone has their opinion about people. Allen does what he does best on the court. He is a scorer. If he was bigger it wouldn't be a big deal. He shoots as much as Kobe or Ray or some of the others. He just has to take more dribbles. We enjoy playing with him and we allow Allen to be himself. And we are successful with it.
Question: 6ersrock: George, how much is Iverson and Brown's relationship overplayed in the media?
George Lynch: I think it draws too much attention. We are in first place. I think more should talk about our success and less about what goes on between those two. They could spend their energies talking about how well some of the other players are playing.
Question: sixergirl: Eric Snow, Pepe, Speedy.. is the Point Guard a jinxed position for you guys?
George Lynch: No I don't think so. Eric had that injury last year and the proper diagnosis wasn't given. With a stress fracture one day it hurts and the next it doesn't. I am also playing with one and it is up to how much you can tolerate. Speedy was hurt driving in to the basket and that can happen to anyone. With Pepe, I think he is just not ready to log a lot of minutes for us yet.
Question: gregb: Are you surprised with how well Aaron McKie has responded on the court following the loss of Eric Snow.
George Lynch: No. I think Aaron is one who knows the game very well and can play with anyone. He just has been given an opportunity where the offense is guard oriented and gets more touches. He is making the most of it. He has a good supporting cast too!
Question: 6ersrock: What do you think has been the key that pulled this team together this year?
George Lynch: I think each player at some point in their career comes across a situation that has made them stronger. We were all in a situation where we weren't getting playing time, except Allen. We were all role players on other teams and coach Brown has put us together in a formula that makes us good. We work hard every day and try to play hard for the moment!
Question: phillyfan: George, congratulations on the best record in the league, Are the sixers going to try to sign a shooter before the deadline or is there expectations for Toni to get more minutes and find his hot back?
George Lynch: You know, people have been talking about finding a shooter for years. Everyone in the starting lineup is around 50%. You have to be careful, bringing a shooter in who needs to have the ball in his hand.. aside from Allen we are all getting about 10 shots... if you bring in a shooter who wants 15-20 chances he may not fit in the system.
Question: 76ers1: How big was it for the team to avenge that loss against the Jazz by taking it to them on their home court?
George Lynch: I think we didn't play as well as we could against Utah that time. They made big plays at the end and we didn't respond. We didn't have Allen going up to Utah. We all had to step it up. It was a great win and we know that to be one of the better teams we have to win at home and steal some on the road.
Question: marty3: Hello George, how would you describe the overall performance of the Philadelphia 76'ers up to this point in the Season?
George Lynch: I think the overall performance is great. It shows we have a lot of character to be able to bounce back from Eric's injury and playing most of the year without Gieger. Knowing the things that went on with Coach Brown and Allen and all.. to be able to stay together and focus, it says a lot about the character of the team.
Question: grabbo: Can Matt Gieger help Philly in the long run?
George Lynch: I think in the playoffs is where we will need Matt to be another physical low post guy. Against the teams in the West is where we need him. To challenge the big guys. He can be big for us if he can get healthy and make a comeback.
Question: 76ers1: What response do you have when you hear that the West is such a stronger conference than the East?
George Lynch: Hopefully they will beat each other up and by the playoffs they will be worn out! LOL, it'ss just talk. A lot of the players are veterans and they get the publicity through the year. In the East there are a lot of up and coming players. We need to take it to the Western teams and beat them on our home court. Hopefully that will give us more respect in the East too.
Question: bennyhaha: Who do you see coming out of the west this year?
George Lynch: It is hard to say! Portland seems like they are making a run and have the experience to come from the West. They challenged the Lakers last year. The Lakers of course, they have Kobe. The Spurs didn't have Tim Duncan and they were the only team to beat the Lakers 3 of 4 last year.
Question: monty: George can you tell us a little about your "George's Gang?
George Lynch: George's Gang is a non-profit group that provides tickets for kids in the city and suburbs who wouldn't have the chance to see a game. We bus 20 kids in for every game. Since it is George's Gang they get to meet me before the game and after workouts.
Question: marty3: Hello George, Describe which NBA Players you most like competing against?
George Lynch: Any NBA player has talent. Everyone is different. No one plays the same. All guys bring a challenge. If you don't come to play they will show you up. It is hard to say one over the other.
Question: lynchmob: What do you think of the NBA's developmental league that will start next season?
George Lynch: I just heard about that! I am not too sure about it. I think it may take away from the college game. If players know they can go there they may skip the education. Not everyone is going to make it and they won't have a way to take care of their family. I think everyone should still pursue an education.
Question: ilikegeorg: What do you think of UNC this season? Have you had a chance to see many of their games?
George Lynch: I watched some of the game against Georgia Tech. With the addition of Peppers and Curry they may be a force in the ACC .. but they are trying to gel. They may be good when those two get the sport of football off of them. It is hard to play football and switch to basketball.
Question: theofan: Are you still UNC's all time leader in steals?
George Lynch: No.. that record was broken soon after I left. I think Ed Cota may have taken the record from Phelps.
Question: 76ers1: Do you feel that the East is yours to win this year? What teams do you think will contend strongly with you for that title?
George Lynch: I think So. We can win the East. NY is one of the teams making a run. A lot of things can happen in a season.. injuries, trades. Right now we have the momentum and it is ours to lose. Looking around I feel there is no team that can beat us.
George Lynch: I would like to thank everyone for their time and questions and keep being a fan of the Sixers!
CBS SportsLine.com
January 4, 2001
Lynch is averaging 7.5 point and 6.1 rebounds per game while playing almost 30 minutes a game. (Allsport)