Philadelphia 76ers: 3 reasons they’re legitimate contenders
By Derek Hryn
As the Philadelphia 76ers head into the postseason, we evaluate what still makes them serious contenders in the 2018-19 NBA Playoffs.
Another year, another likely third seed in the Eastern Conference for the Philadelphia 76ers — but never has such an ascendant season been gusted by this degree of dismay and concern.
It may seem like ancient history to most, but the previous time an 82-game slate ended for the 76ers, Sam Hinkie’s “Process” sang a much different tune, and with more gusto.
At the time, the roster included a variety of youngsters who would see their first postseason action of their careers, with just four other players in the 30-and-over club.
That team: Finished the regular season with a 17-game win streak to close out a 52-30 campaign.
Fast forward and something is amiss. One thing’s for certain, it isn’t talent.
When Elton Brand was assigned general manager duties in September, one could only guess at what new strides he would endeavor with a franchise and city he spent five years of his playing career in, mostly transitioning into a sideline mentor for some of the early draft picks of the grueling rebuild – one of which being Joel Embiid.
As it turns out, Brand’s plan was simpler than any could’ve guessed.
Superstardom … and plenty of it, leading off with NBA All-Stars Embiid and Ben Simmons.
In November, the organization traded two of its most prized young assets Robert Covington and Dario Saric to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for a disgruntled Jimmy Butler — the third superstar of the group.
Three months later, bring in a fourth, Tobias Harris from the Los Angeles Clippers, in a ravishing trade deadline deal.
Four stars and a capable veteran bench.
This team: On a three-game losing streak, holding a current 49-30 record. Not ideal, but there is a reason for it.
Prior to Thursday’s loss to the Giannis Antetokounmpo-driven Milwaukee Bucks, Embiid missed games against the Timberwolves (win), Dallas Mavericks (loss), and Atlanta Hawks (loss). Simmons and Harris will likely see some rest days in the coming days, as well.
Butler sat out against Milwaukee, and will likely miss at least one or two of the final games.
Head coach Brett Brown told Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer earlier this week that he wants to put the 3-seed on ice for the Eastern Conference playoffs before “resting” his players outright.
The Sixers’ expectations for the postseason this year are paramount, and when you gander at the roster on paper, much higher than last year’s. No Ilyasova or Belinelli, respectively of course, but Butler and Harris – a tandem you’d much rather see at full-swing in the middle of April.
Bearing all of this in mind, here are three reasons the Philadelphia 76ers are still legitimate contenders.