Philadelphia 76ers: 2017-18 NBA season preview
By Simon Smith
After making significant strides last year, here’s a look ahead for the Philadelphia 76ers and their prospects for the 2017-18 season.
The 2016-17 season was highly transformative for the Philadelphia 76ers.
Having won just 10 games for their entire 2015-16 campaign, the Sixers matched this win total in January alone last season. Of course, the main impetus for this surge was the impact of rookie center Joel Embiid.
After missing his first two seasons in the league due to recurring foot issues, Embiid exploded onto the national scene last year, albeit in just 31 games. Accompanying Embiid this season will be a pair of rookies, also possessing seemingly limitless potential.
Ben Simmons, the 2016 No. 1 overall selection, and Markelle Fultz, the 2017 No. 1 overall selection, will partner with Embiid as the Sixers look to add to their 28 wins of last season and make a serious run at their first playoff appearance since 2012.
In addition to this exciting trio, the Sixers signed key veteran free agents in J.J. Redick and Amir Johnson in order solidify the team both on and off the floor.
So with an intriguing mix of youth and experience, the Sixers figure to be one of the more fascinating teams in the league to follow.
2016-17 Key Stats
28-54, 4th in Atlantic Division, 14th in Eastern Conference
102.4 PPG (25th)/108.1 OPP PPG (24th)
100.7 Offensive Rating (30th)/106.4 Defensive Rating (17th)
Team Leaders
Scoring: Joel Embiid, 20.2 PPG
Rebounding: Joel Embiid, 7.8 RPG
Assists: T.J. McConnell, 6.6 APG
Steals: Robert Covington, 1.9 SPG
Blocks: Joel Embiid, 2.5 BPG
Honors
NBA All-Rookie First Team: Joel Embiid
NBA All-Rookie First Team: Dario Saric