Dalembert's Philly future uncertain

After practice Tuesday, Samuel Dalembert worked on his three-point shot, which is a little like enrolling in calculus despite struggling with arithmetic. And the 76ers' coaches said nothing. Assistant coach Aaron McKie rebounded for Dalembert, who was shooting with reserve guard Kareem Rush. It was a competition of sorts, and you could almost see Dalembert's eyes light with each three-pointer he made. See? He seemed to be saying. I can - and should - shoot three-pointers. (He's 0 for 7 from three-point range in 61/2 seasons in the NBA but has a nice touch from outside.) Tuesday's after-practice session was not an isolated event. Dalembert, who often practices in black Adidas sweatpants, has spent much in-season practice time - of which there is very little - working on a shot he'll take about once a season. So why is Dalembert, the Sixers' starting center, who still doesn't own a go-to post move, practicing three-pointers? The answer mirrors most responses when Dalembert inspires the question: a slight lift of the shoulders, palms turned upward. No clue. Unanswerable. At some point, the Sixers must put down this crossword puzzle. At some point, they must realize there is not enough time, that too many of the phrases are still blank, that they need some fresh air. For the Sixers organization, that time - if not already upon it - can't be more than a few dribbles away. Earlier this season, with his court time diminishing, Dalembert asked for a trade. Before the trade deadline, Sixers general manager Ed Stefanski tried - in vain - to move Dalembert.