In the lead-up to the 2017-18 NBA season, the Philadelphia 76ers have five players featured in the much-debated ESPN Top 100 player rank.
On the eve of the 2017-18 NBA season, it’s hard to recall a 28-win team generating as much excitement as the Philadelphia 76ers.
However, for all involved with the Sixers franchise, this has been the culmination of four seasons of hard work and heartache. Started by former president of basketball operations, Sam Hinkie, and continued by the current regime, “The Process” has been somewhat of a necessary evil for Sixers fans and staff alike.
But on the back of a highly promising season that included a 10-5 record in January, the Sixers have now clearly gained league-wide recognition for their notable progression.
This week, ESPN released its annual (albeit highly debatable) Top 100 player rankings. After having just one player in the Top 100 last season, the Sixers have five players featured on their current list.
Newcomer J.J. Redick, an 11-veteran, checks in at No. 87. Having made the list last season at No. 52, Redick nonetheless had a productive year with the Los Angeles Clippers, averaging 15.0 points per game while shooting at a 42.9 percent clip from 3-point range. Moving forward, Redick’s veteran leadership and elite perimeter shooting mean he should be a significant addition to the Sixers’ roster.
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Next on the list is rookie Markelle Fultz at No. 86. Having acquired the rights to select Fultz in this years NBA Draft due to a pre-draft trade with the Boston Celtics, the Sixers will be hoping Fultz can translate the versatility he displayed in college to the pro game.
Two spots ahead of Fultz at No. 84 is Ben Simmons, also technically entering his first season having missed his entire rookie campaign due to a foot injury. The No. 1 overall selection in 2016, Simmons is expected to take the mantle as the Sixers’ primary ball handler, and will be a fascinating watch among the impressive talent the team has assembled.
Up next is the definition of a late-bloomer in Robert Covington at No. 55 overall. Undrafted coming out of Tennessee State, Covington has developed into one of the elite perimeter defenders in the game, and was one of only three players in the league last season to average at least 1.0 blocks and 1.5 steals per game.
It's almost that time of the year... can't wait to shut these bums up and the Process never ends. JUST TRUST IT #TheProcess pic.twitter.com/msLlDTvX9y
— Joel “Troel” Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) September 14, 2017
Finally, the top billing goes to without the doubt the crown jewel of the Sixers’ roster, center Joel Embiid. Ranked No. 58 prior to last season without even having stepped on an NBA floor, Embiid this season comes in at No. 32 — such was the impact the 23-year-old had in his 31 games last season.
While this ranking may seem high considering his limited time on the court, if healthy, Embiid will again surge up the rankings board next season if his rate of production and improvement is replicated this season.
Next: Complete 2017 NBA offseason grades for all 30 teams
So while it may just be the opinion of one media outlet, it nonetheless illustrates just how far the Sixers have progressed. And if this quintet of players manage to stay healthy and live up to their expectations, expect some of these names to feature much higher up the Top 100 board in 2018-19.