Philadelphia 76ers: 5 predictions for the 2018-19 NBA season
By Simon Smith
With expectations league wide expected to ramp up a level, here are five predictions for the Philadelphia 76ers in the upcoming 2018-19 season.
Despite a meteoric rise last season, Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown is far from satisfied. While winning 52 games and reaching the second round of the playoffs was a terrific accomplishment, Brown was expecting more.
While the disappointment is still relatively fresh, Brown is excited for what’s lies ahead:
"“All over our building, if you walk in, the messaging and the signage is ‘More to Do.’ We have more to do.”"
When considering the cast of players at his disposal, it’s little wonder Brown is so optimistic. Last season alone featured a player making his All-Star debut in Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons capturing the Rookie of the Year award, and undrafted small forward Robert Covington being selected to the NBA’s All-Defensive First Team.
Furthermore, when you take into account that 2017 No. 1 overall pick Markelle Fultz had virtually no impact over the course of the season, it’s understandable that the optimism surrounding the franchise is through the roof entering this season.
#Sixers coach Brett Brown “Last year in my head and my heart, we could have played in the NBA Finals.” pic.twitter.com/GksJTd0Ohp
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) September 18, 2018
However, while the Sixers somewhat snuck up on the league in some respects last season, the upcoming season could easily prove to be even more challenging and defining.
With that in mind, here are five predictions for the 2018-19 campaign.