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NBA Power Rankings Week 21: Are the Philadelphia 76ers the best bet to win it all?

By Corey Rausch

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 13: Joel Embiid #21 and Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers look on against the Miami Heat during the first quarter at American Airlines Arena on May 13, 2021 in Miami, Florida. 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. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 13: Joel Embiid #21 and Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers look on against the Miami Heat during the first quarter at American Airlines Arena on May 13, 2021 in Miami, Florida. 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. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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NBA, Sixers (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
NBA, Sixers (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

28. Orlando Magic

Last Week: Lost to Minnesota Timberwolves 128-96, Lost to Milwaukee Bucks 114-102, 5/13 at Atlanta Hawks, Beat Philadelphia 76ers 122-97, Lost to Philadelphia 76ers 128-117

Over/Under Projection; Guess/Result: 31.5; Over; Wrong

As much of a bummer as the season likely was for the Orlando Magic this should be remembered as a positive. Due to an abundance of injuries the front office made the decision that now was the time to pull the trigger on the full rebuild rather than floundering the race consistent race for the eighth seed. The Magic bottomed out and are ready to add the marquee talent to lead the rest of their cast into the next era.

Of their top five scorers for the season three were traded, Markelle Fultz tore up his knee eight games into the season and Terrence Ross was a bench player. However, the young talent really showed after the deadline that there are players to be excited about. Wendell Carter Jr. looked to find his footing after finally being moved by the Chicago Bulls. RJ Hampton flashed the potential that had him as one of the top high school players a couple of years ago and pairs well with fellow rookie Cole Anthony as a potential bench duo of the future. Even Mo Bamba, exhumed from the back of the bench looked good at times.

Orlando still needs a face of the franchise but the core of Anthony, Hampton, Carter, Fultz, Jonathan Isaac and Chuma Okeke is a start. For a team consistently stuck in purgatory, the start of something new feels good.