NBA: Ranking the teams in the Atlantic Division for 2017-18

3. Philadelphia 76ers

The 76ers are one of the most intriguing teams in the league. They have been one of the basement dwellers for what feels like decades (it’s really only been four years).

Even before those four years, however, they weren’t a team with sustained success. It’s been 12 years since they’ve finished with more wins than losses. I’m not sure if that record will be snapped this season. But one thing is certain; they will compete every single night.

If Joel Embiid can stay healthy for an entire 82-game stretch, he alone will improve the squad. When you add in the debuts of Ben Simmons and Markelle Fultz, they really begin to get interesting.

The Embiid-Simmons-Fultz trio is one of the best and brightest in the league. Each player brings their own unique skill-set to the table, allowing them to mesh together.

The 76ers also added some nice veteran presences in Amir Johnson and J.J. Redick. They both have a lot of experience in this league and have been successful at the highest levels. That’s an important balance to have with a young up-and-coming team.

Robert Covington might also be one of the most underrated players in the game today.

If this squad stays healthy it will be one of the deepest in the entire league. However, the Sixers are still a few years away from competing with the big dogs.