The expectations are again high in Philadelphia as the 76ers look to finally break through and make a long, deep playoff run. In reality, it’s championship or bust in Philly.
In the offseason, the 76ers added another All-Star in the 34-year-old Paul George, and if he can stay healthy, the 76ers are much better this season. Also, All-Star Tyrese Maxey signed an extension with the team in the offseason, and if he continues to grow his game, again, the Sixers should be much better this season.
Also, the 76ers re-signed Kelly Oubre and Kyle Lowry.
In addition, they added Caleb Martin from the Heat, who is a decent shooter and solid defender. They also added Frenchman Guerschon Yabusele, which adds depth to the frontcourt.
With Embiid, who will miss his share of games, you need a dependable backup center. Andre Drummond is a reliable backup who can rebound at a high level and could start for a few teams in the league. Furthermore, they added veteran guards Eric Gordon and Reggie Jackson.
However, none of what they added matters if former MVP Joel Embiid can’t stay healthy. He wasn’t healthy in the playoffs last season, and it showed. Embiid played on one leg, and the 76ers were eliminated in the first round by the Knicks. This season, the 76ers will manage the 30-year-old Embiid’s minutes, and he’s not expected to play in any back-to-backs, so the goal is to make he’s healthy for the postseason.
In 2019, Kawhi Leonard, who led the Raptors to the championship that season, played in 60 regular-season games and all 24 playoff games. In total, Leonard, who was led by 76ers head coach Nick Nurse, played in 84 games, so Embiid needs to play in at least 80 games, including every playoff game, if the Sixers want to make the conference finals.
End of the day, Embiid, George, and Maxey have the talent and the ability to lead the 76ers to a championship. Again, it all comes down to health.
Prediction: Regular season record: 55-27
Embiid and the 76ers will make the conference finals, and if a few things go their way, maybe even the NBA Finals. However, the East will be tough again this season, so another second-round exit could be possible.
Leave a Reply