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Philadelphia 76ers: 3 reasons they’re legitimate contenders

By Derek Hryn

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 13: Ben Simmons #25 and Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers smile during a game against the New York Knicks on February 13, 2019 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 13: Ben Simmons #25 and Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers smile during a game against the New York Knicks on February 13, 2019 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. Team chemistry is snug

If there was an area in which Brett Brown deserves some clamor, it’s the sound ability he’s had in keeping this formidable group whole through the fracas of blockbuster trades and franchise-altering moves.

Even after such an infuriating muff of an affair against Milwaukee on Thursday night, you can’t help but marvel at the unbreakable chemistry this team possesses with each other.

Take Mike Scott for example, who with little reluctance, called for an eye for an eye when Bucks guard Eric Bledsoe tossed a heater at Joel Embiid early in the matchup.

Watch Scott (No. 1) throw the ball back at Bledsoe during the heated exchange:

https://twitter.com/SInow/status/1113962370777460736

Though most wouldn’t condone the act, you have to respect the loyal spirit.

Aside from the theatrics, the brotherhood of this team has (for the most part) translated to victories throughout the season.

Since Tobias Harris rounded out Elton Brand’s designed big-4 back in early February, that group has gone 8-2 together, per Marc Narducci of The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Once the starting lineup returns, as originally intended, we could see the potential of this squad really begin to take shape.

Oh yes, and Jimmy Butler is a good … no, great … teammate by the way.