Philadelphia 76ers: 3 takeaways from the first month of the season

3. The playoffs are in sight, but there are moves to make

The Philadelphia 76ers are well on their way to surpassing last season’s win total of 28 in 2016-17. Led by Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid, they look well on their way to their first playoff appearance since the 2011-12 season.

With a 10-7 record, the Sixers have looked sharp, at least on offense. They rank ninth in the NBA in points per game (108.4) but have the 19th-best offensive rating (103.1). On defense, they rank 20th in the league in opponents points per game (107.2) but their defensive rating (101.8) ranks eighth. Their record is tied for the fifth-best record in the Eastern Conference next to the New York Knicks. It’s early, but it beats where they were in 2016-17.

At this point, improving the defense should involve a move with Jahlil Okafor. Okafor has yet to be bought out or moved as he remains on the trading block. The Philadelphia front office has yet to find a deal they like.

After Amir Johnson‘s strong performance (eight points, 13 rebounds, four blocks) in their recent 107-86 victory over the Utah Jazz, it may be worth it to trade Okafor for a defensive player. The “Free Jah” movement is alive and well, though, as most believe he should just be bought out.