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NBA: The Teams That Improved The Most This Offseason

By Maxwell Ogden

May 16, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers new head coach Nate McMillan and president of basketball operations Larry Bird speak to the press during a press conference at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
May 16, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers new head coach Nate McMillan and president of basketball operations Larry Bird speak to the press during a press conference at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 9, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons (25) yells from the court during an NBA Summer League game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Thomas & Mack Center. Los Angeles won the game 70-69. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 9, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons (25) yells from the court during an NBA Summer League game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Thomas & Mack Center. Los Angeles won the game 70-69. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /

Honorable Mention: Philadelphia 76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers aren’t yet ready to contend, but adding Ben Simmons makes this team watchable. Even if the 76ers do win 20 or fewer games, the fact that the front office drafted a player who can contribute right now is progress.

Whether or not you believe Sam Hinkie should’ve been fired, this Sixers team has become unfathomably better by simply adding an NBA-caliber playmaker.

Simmons may or may not work out in the NBA, but he’s an outstanding talent who will generate interest. More importantly he’s Philadelphia’s first draft pick who’s not already injured or at a position with a surplus of talent in heaven knows how long.

Though Simmons is the understandable focus here, Philadelphia made changes that should help it improve across the board.

Jerryd Bayless, Gerald Henderson, and Sergio Rodriguez are all veterans who should provide guidance in the locker room and consistency on the court. Simmons will also be joined by fellow rookies Joel Embiid, Furkan Korkmaz, Timothe Luwawu, and Dario Saric.

If they’re able to remain healthy and live up to the hype, both Embiid and Saric could rival Simmons for Rookie of the Year.

Next: The Right Coach