Last season was supposed to be a breakout one for Sixers’ center Samuel Dalembert. Coming off an ‘04-’05 season where he averaged 8.2 pts & 7.5 rbds, Dalembert failed to grow on those stats (actually dipping in scoring to 7.3 ppg) and was an overall dissapointment. He would seemingly dissapear for stretches and was largely ineffective.

Whatever the motivation, his performance during the Sixers’ preseason tour of Europe thus far has been a total revitalization of the promise he showed two seasons ago. I’m watching Philly play CSKA Moscow as I write (on tape delay) and the energy shown by Dalembert, particularly on the glass and blocking shots, has that type of spark I usually see out of players poised for a big year. Granted it’s the preseason, but the tone for the year is usually set now, and I like what I see out of Dalembert. If you’ve got a fantasy squad looking for a good alternative at the very soft center position, Dalembert should be a very strong consideration.

(Update: Dalembert finished the game with 15 points, 18 rebounds and 5 blocked shots in a 85-71 Sixers victory of CSKA Moscow, a team that actually beat the Clippers 94-75 a week ago)