After a heartbreaking loss in the playoffs at the hands of the Toronto Raptors last year, the new look Sixers enter this season with championship expectations and a new look roster. Can Brett Brown lead his most talented roster yet to a title?
Head Coach:
Brett Brown (178-314 career head coaching record)
Coming off back to back 50 win seasons, despite an early playoff exit Sixers ownership showed faith in Brown bringing him back for his seventh season as Sixers head coach. Brown has stated publicly that anything less than a trip to the NBA Finals would be a disappointment. His seat has been hot the past few seasons, and this could be his last year at the helm if the Sixers fail to win the Eastern Conference. Brown has his most talented roster yet and should be able to succeed. But, can he take this team to the next level? That is the ultimate question with this team.
Starters:
*Stats are from last season*
PG Ben Simmons (16.9 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 7.7 apg):
Simmons was an all-star last year in his second season. He is an elite defender and is a walking triple-double. Can he take the next step in his game with his perimeter shooting? The Sixers will only go as far as Ben takes them.
SG Josh Richardson (16.6 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 4.1 apg)
Richardson will aim to replace Jimmy Butler in the Sixers lineup. His defensive versatility, length, and ability to space the floor makes him a perfect addition to the Sixers lineup. Richardson is a budding star and should be a darkhorse for an all-star bid this year.
SF Tobias Harris (20.0 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 2.8 apg)
After receiving a five year max contract, Harris will be depended on to be a late game scorer for the Sixers this year. He has the ability to space the floor and defend multiple positions, but needs to be more consistent in those areas. His length and ability to rebound though make him a great fit for this roster.
PF Al Horford (13.6 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 4.2 apg)
The big off-season addition is a great complement to Embiid in the front court. After destroying the Sixers for years with the Celtics, Horford comes to Philly being able to do many things on the court. His ability to shoot the ball, defend, and give Embiid his allotted rest will be vital to this team.
C Joel Embiid (27.5 ppg, 13.5 rpg, 3.7 apg)
The best big man in the NBA will be on a mission this year after a disappointing 2018 playoffs. He is healthy, in the best shape of his life, and has the best roster around him in his career. Watch out, NBA.
Key Reserves:
F Mike Scott (7.8 ppg, 3.8 ppg)
Floor spacer who rebounds, defends, and brings toughness to a team.
G James Ennis (5.3 ppg, 3.6 rpg)
Floor spacer who plays tough defense
G Trey Burke (9.7 ppg, 35.6% 3P)
Dynamic scorer off the bench who can heat up in a hurry
X-Factor:
G/F Matisse Thybulle (Rookie)
Thybulle is the prototypical "3 and D" player who is developing his game. His pre-season defense was insane and he will have an immediate role on this team. The more shooters around Ben Simmons, the better this team will be. Look for Thybulle to make his mark on defense early and often this season.
Prediction:
2nd place in East regular season (58-34)
Loses in NBA Finals to Clippers
Ben Simmons wins MVP
Joel Embiid wins DPOY
Matisse Thybulle makes an NBA All-Defense Team
Josh Richardson is an All-Star
ALL STATS VIA BASKETBALLREFERENCE.COM
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