Philadelphia 76ers: 2017-18 NBA season preview
By Simon Smith
2017-18 Roster
Justin Anderson, SG
Jerryd Bayless, PG
Robert Covington, SF
Joel Embiid, C
Markelle Fultz, PG
Richaun Holmes, PF/C
Amir Johnson, PF
Furkan Korkmaz, SG
Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, SG/SF
T.J. McConnell, PG
Jahlil Okafor, C
Alex Poythress, SF
J.J. Redick, SG
Dario Saric, PF
Ben Simmons, PF
Nik Stauskas, SG
Offseason Additions
Markelle Fultz (No. 1 overall draft pick, Washington), J.J. Redick (free agent, Los Angeles Clippers), Amir Johnson (free agent, Boston Celtics), Furkan Korkmaz (2016 No. 26 overall draft pick, Turkey)
Offseason Subtractions
Tiago Splitter (free agent, unsigned), Shawn Long (trade, Houston Rockets), Gerald Henderson (waived), Sergio Rodriguez (free agent, CSKA Moscow)
Quick Thoughts
Quite evidently, the Sixers have made significant upgrades to their roster this offseason. Complementing their exciting young core with the additions of Redick and Johnson were outstanding moves.
Furthermore, both players are fresh from playing in winning situations. Redick has been part of four 50-win seasons as a member of the Clippers, while Johnson was a member of a Celtics team that just competed in the Eastern Conference Finals.
While the Sixers’ progress last season was impressive, it was all the more impressive considering the amount of time missed from key personnel.
Center Joel Embiid, who led the team in points, rebounds and blocks per game, missed 51 games due to a season-ending knee injury. Another center, Jahlil Okafor, missed 32 games in his second season after impressing as a rookie, having being selected No. 3 overall in 2015. Furthermore, the No. 1 overall selection in 2016, Ben Simmons, missed his entire rookie campaign due to a foot injury.
Having these players healthy, combined with the offseason additions outlined above, should see the Sixers take advantage of what is now a significantly depleted Eastern Conference.