Each NBA team’s projected starting lineup for 2023–24
By Cal Durrett
Projected starting lineup: Philadelphia Sixers
Point Guard: James Harden
Shooting Guard: De’Anthony Melton
Small Forward: Tobias Harris
Power Forward: PJ Tucker
Center: Joel Embiid
As of now, the 76ers appear likely to run things back, though a lot depends on the James Harden situation. If they manage to smooth things over enough, then he will start at point guard again for the Sixers. If they can’t, then they will have a big problem. Harden doesn’t seem to have much trade value at the moment. That is probably partly why they signed Patrick Beverly, though they would be in big trouble if they had to rely on him due to Harden holding out.
Even at full strength, the Sixers have another problem. The Bucks and Celtics, the two best teams in the NBA last season, got much better over the offseason. Factor in the Heat, and the Sixers are the fourth-best team in their own conference despite having the reigning MVP.
Keeping Joel Embiid happy should be a top priority, but their team can’t feel good about how their summer has gone. Their second-best player vowed never to play for the team again, and while they’ve made a couple of solid signings, their rivals have gotten far better.