NBA Power Rankings: Preview the Los Angeles Lakers and the rest

Dearly Departed: Al Horford, Josh Richardson, Alec Burks, Raul Neto, Glenn Robinson III, Kyle O’Quinn

New Additions: Seth Curry, Tony Bradley, Danny Green, Terrance Ferguson, Tyrese Maxey, Isaiah Joe, Paul Reed, Dwight Howard

Win Projection/Prediction: 43/Over

The Philadelphia 76ers were one of the most disappointing teams of last year. They came in with expectations of title contention and instead were putrid on the road before being swept out of the first round of the playoffs. So why should there be more optimism now?

The fit is so much cleaner this year. The team completely lacked a shooting presence around Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. They relied on Josh Richardson and Al Horford for floor spacing. That was a recipe for disaster. In their place step Danny Green and Seth Curry who boast career 3-point marks from of 40.0 percent and 44.3 percent, respectively. They will give some much-needed breathing room to their behemoth brethren.

The backup center was also a need that needed to be addressed and Dwight Howard fills that nicely. He was a revelation for the Los Angeles Lakers last season and should fill in nicely behind Embiid. Tony Bradley is a savvy pick up that can fill in should either of the top two options continue to struggle with injuries.

Doc Rivers caught plenty of flak for the way things ended with the Clippers, and for good reason, but this seems like a team he is destined to coach. There is a lot of defensive potential and talent that has yet to fully meet expectations. With Daryl Morey leading the way, Philly will find deals on the margins to continue to improve. Last season is gone. This year the Sixers are ready to leap over the final hurdle.