[ad_1]
The Philadelphia 76ers ended their 2021-2022 season by failing to get previous the second spherical of the playoffs for the second-straight season. After falling brief to the top-seeded Miami Heat, the Sixers had a “focused” offseason, as head coach Doc Rivers described it.
With a necessity for dependable and confirmed two-way veterans who convey a no-nonsense mentality to the courtroom, the Sixers netted PJ Tucker, Danuel House, De’Anthony Melton, and Montezl Harrell.
Based mostly on what they did on paper, the Sixers’ entrance workplace obtained a ton of reward over the summer season for having a stellar offseason with their new personnel.
The Athletic’s John Hollinger, who served as an government for the Memphis Grizzlies, is the latest to praise Philadelphia’s improved roster as he shaped a daring prediction for his or her upcoming run.
“I’m unsure this crew can have the perfect file within the East within the common season, not with Embiid enjoying 65-ish video games and Harden placing it into cruise management on random January nights in Detroit. However the improved depth must be a giant consider managing the odometer on Harden and Embiid; Philly ought to end within the top-three seeds with out placing an excessive amount of pressure on its key gamers. Get them to a postseason collection wholesome, and I like how they match up towards the Bucks, Celtics and Nets.
“So right here goes: I’m selecting Philly to win all of it, and Embiid to win MVP. Verify again in 9 months for chuckle.”
Properly, that’s fairly the prediction. In a tricky Japanese Convention that’s had a brand new NBA Finals consultant for the final 4 seasons, the Sixers may turn into the fifth after the Boston Celtics made their run final yr.
Scroll to Proceed
The Sixers are actually constructed higher this time round, however as Hollinger added, well being will likely be key. Over the past two offseasons, Sixers middle Joel Embiid battled a notable damage coming into the second spherical of the postseason.
Two years in the past, it was his knee that induced him to sport a brace for the rest of the playoff run. Final yr, it was Embiid’s hand that wanted to be wrapped up and his face that wanted to be coated with a masks to stop additional injury.
The nice factor for the Sixers is that Embiid’s in a position to battle by means of the ache and play. Sadly, his toughness hasn’t translated to success within the second spherical simply but.
The Japanese Convention is loaded with playoff-caliber groups, and anyone could make a run to the finals this yr. Selecting the Sixers to be that squad is actually a daring take. Nonetheless, saying Embiid may take dwelling MVP isn’t practically as far-fetched.
Over the past two years, Embiid was voted because the NBA’s runner-up for the distinguished award. Each years, Embiid misplaced out to Denver’s Nikola Jokic, even after the Sixers’ large man led the league in scoring final yr.
If Embiid can get himself again into the top-three MVP dialog for a third-straight season, the voters should re-think the way in which they view Philly’s middle, as he’s grown into one of the versatile and dominant gamers within the league.
Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for All76ers, a Sports activities Illustrated channel. You may comply with him for dwell updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_.
[ad_2]
Source link
