Tuesday, 14 May 2024

2021-22 Season Preview: Philadelphia 76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers had a strong regular season last year, finishing with the best record in the Eastern Conference. However, their playoff performance was disappointing, leading to speculation about the future of the team’s All-Star duo. Ben Simmons, in particular, faced criticism for his lack of offensive production and rumored desire to leave the team. As the Sixers enter the new season, they must address these distractions and determine their identity moving forward. If they can navigate this situation successfully, they remain a formidable contender for the championship. However, there are many uncertainties surrounding the team, making it difficult to predict their future.

BIGGEST QUESTION

The biggest question for the 76ers is how the Ben Simmons situation will be resolved. It is unlikely that he will remain with the team as a productive contributor, so the focus shifts to what the Sixers can get in return for him. The team is not looking to rebuild but rather compete for a championship with Joel Embiid in his prime. Trading Simmons will require finding a suitable replacement, preferably a primary ballhandler with shooting ability. Striking a deal that benefits both parties and maintains the Sixers’ competitiveness will be a challenging task.

SEASON PREDICTION

Predicting the Sixers’ win total is nearly impossible without knowing the outcome of the Simmons situation. If they play without him as they search for a trade, they will likely not perform as well as they did last season. Furthermore, finding an All-Star caliber player who fits seamlessly into the team may prove difficult. Nevertheless, with Joel Embiid leading the way and a talented supporting cast, the Sixers remain one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. It is projected that they will finish with a record of 48-34.

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PROJECTED STARTING FIVE

The Sixers’ projected starting lineup consists of:

  • Ben Simmons: An elite defender and passer, but his shooting deficiency poses a challenge for the team.
  • Seth Curry: Showed his scoring ability in the playoffs, particularly with his midrange shooting.
  • Danny Green: A solid veteran starter known for his three-point shooting, particularly from the corners.
  • Tobias Harris: Came close to achieving a 50/40/90 shooting season last year, showcasing his offensive versatility.
  • Joel Embiid: A dominant force on both ends of the floor, with his mid-range shooting improving significantly.

KEY RESERVES

The Sixers’ key reserves include:

  • Tyrese Maxey: Showed promise as a rookie, excelling in scoring outside the restricted area.
  • Furkan Korkmaz: Primarily a designated shooter, but struggled in the later stages of the playoffs.
  • Matisse Thybulle: Known for his defensive prowess, although his shooting requires improvement.
  • Georges Niang: A solid catch-and-shoot three-point shooter, contributing mainly on the defensive end.
  • Andre Drummond: A strong rebounder, but inconsistent in his overall play.

LAST 5 SEASONS

Here is how the 76ers have performed statistically over the past five seasons:

Season W L Win pct. OffRtg Rank DefRtg Rank NetRtg Rank
2020-21 49 23 .681 112.5 13 107.0 2 +5.5 5
2019-20 43 30 .589 110.7 14 108.4 8 +2.3 10
2018-19 51 31 .622 111.6 8 109.0 14 +2.6 11
2017-18 52 30 .634 108.5 13 103.9 3 +4.6 4
2016-17 28 54 .341 102.7 30 108.2 16 -5.5 27

(OffRtg = Points scored per 100 possessions, DefRtg = Points allowed per 100 possessions, NetRtg = Point differential per 100 possessions)

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STAT TO KNOW

The Sixers’ starting lineup had an impressive plus-minus of +39.0 in the playoffs, outscoring their opponents by that margin per 100 possessions. This was the best mark among lineups with at least 100 playoff minutes in the past 14 years. It highlights the effectiveness and dominance of the starting five.


The Philadelphia 76ers face significant challenges heading into the upcoming season, primarily centered around the uncertain future of Ben Simmons. However, with Joel Embiid leading the charge and a talented supporting cast, they remain a formidable team in the Eastern Conference. The Sixers’ success will depend on how they handle the Simmons situation and their ability to find a suitable replacement. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Philadelphia to see how they navigate these challenges and strive for championship contention.

FAQs

Q: What is the biggest question for the Philadelphia 76ers?

A: The biggest question for the 76ers is how the Ben Simmons saga will conclude, and what the team will receive in return for him.

Q: What is the projected record for the Philadelphia 76ers this season?

A: It is challenging to determine the team’s record without knowing the outcome of the Simmons situation. However, a predicted finish of 48-34 is projected.

Summary

The Philadelphia 76ers enter the 2021-22 season with high expectations following their strong regular season performance. However, their playoff exit and the uncertainty around Ben Simmons have raised doubts about their championship aspirations. The team’s success hinges on resolving the Simmons situation and finding a suitable replacement. With Joel Embiid leading the way and a talented supporting cast, the 76ers remain one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Philadelphia to see if they can overcome these hurdles and make a deep playoff run.

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Call to action: To stay updated on the Philadelphia 76ers’ journey this season, visit Osceolagarage.com for the latest news and analysis.