Samuel Dalembert

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Samuel Dalembert
Position	Center
Nickname	Sammy, Big Sam, Sam D, Daly, Little Sammy D
League	NBA
Height	6 ft 11 in (2.11 m)
Weight	250 lb (114 kg)
Team	Philadelphia 76ers
Nationality	Canada
Born	May 10, 1981 (age 25) Port-au-Prince, Haiti
College	Seton Hall University
Draft	26^th overall, 2001 Philadelphia 76ers
Pro career	2001–present

Samuel Davis Dalembert (born May 10, 1981 in Port-au-Prince, Haiti) is a professional basketball player who plays center with the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers. Dalembert began playing in Montreal, Canada and played college basketball at Seton Hall University in New Jersey, US. He is an occasional double-double achiever for the Sixers and averages around 3 blocks per game - placing him among the league's elite in this category. He missed the entire 2003-04 season due to injuries. After a relatively productive 2004-05 season, his 2005-2006 season was plagued by more injuries, a diminished role (he lost his job as a starter to Steven Hunter even after returning from injury), and what the media and public perceived to be a decline in both his play and his attitude.

[edit] Professional Career

Dalembert is normally described as a rebounder and shot-blocker. When playing together, he and Steven Hunter are sometimes referred to as the "Twin Towers"^{[citation needed]} , a moniker previously applied to a number of famous front court duos, including Hakeem Olajuwon and Ralph Sampson in the 1980s and Tim Duncan and David Robinson in the 1990s/2000s. Dalembert's detractors criticize him for being overpaid^{[citation needed]} on account of the $52.6 million he will receive through the 2010-'11 season. They also point to his seemingly low "basketball IQ"^{[citation needed]}. Dalembert fouled out of 9 of the 52 games he played during the 2005-06 season and had the dubious distinction of leading the league in goaltending, although this does speak to his aggressiveness at attempting to block shots. Dalembert is particularly regarded for his defense and his aggressive defense allows for some easy baskets on transitions. While his offensive skills may be limited, his defensive energy largely atones for this.

During the 2006-07 season, Dalembert has played 62 consecutive games (as of March 9th, 2007) and is averaging 11 points and 9 rebounds. He aims to start every game, coming closest in his sophomore year ( 2002-'03 season when he played 82 games and started 53 of them. He also has a chance of averaging a double this season.

Dalembert is now a Canadian citizen and Montrealer. On the January 15, 2007, Toronto Raptors broadcast, commentator and Canadian National Team coach Leo Rautins said that Dalembert would not play for Canada at the 2008 Summer Olympics.