Sports: Sixers Preview

By Kyle Klosinski

The excitement for the upcoming Philadelphia 76ers 2017-18 season is out the door, literally. The Sixers have already sold out their season tickets with a franchise record of 14,000 season ticket memberships for the season, the most of any team in the league. The ticket sales soared after the Sixers traded up in the draft to snag the 1^st overall pick and choose Markelle Fultz out of Washington University. Over the past two seasons the Sixers had a total of 38 wins and with new talent added this offseason they are aiming to surpass that total in one season. The word Playoffs hasn’t been mentioned in the same sentence with the Sixers for a few years but this season fans and players have trusted the process and believe playoffs are coming to Philly.  

A young core of Joel Embiid, Ben Simmonds and Markelle Fultz look poised to make an impact this year in the NBA. Head Coach Brett Brown made it clear that Simmons will be the starting point guard. Brown was quoted in a podcast with The Vertical saying “When I say point guard, I mean point guard.” The addition of veteran sharp-shooter JJ. Reddick from the Clippers means the Sixers now have that deep threat they were searching for and his experience will help guide a youthful Sixers team. Defensive stud Robert Covington looks like he will be the final starter to add a superb defensive presence to this talented group. Covington finished an impressive 4^th in the Defensive Player of the Year voting last season behind big names like Draymond Green, Rudy Gobert and Kawhi Leonard. He also showed big signs of improvement in his 3 pointer at the end of last season and aims to be another deep threat for the sixers.

A great team is only as strong as its bench and the Sixers have tremendous talent on their bench. Dario Saric headlines a strong bench presence after his standout rookie year. Last year Saric averaged 12.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 81 games. If you watched him play, it was clear the Croatian was still getting used to playing in America. Once he fully adapts to the change he will be a threat to any team. TJ McConnell and his exceptional court vision and precision passing makes for a great backup point guard for Simmonds. The duo of Richaun Holmes and Jahlil Oakfor complement each other, Holmes is a great rim protector and Oakfor has a better offensive skillset. Both can fill in for Embiid and hold their own against other NBA centers. Amir Johnson was another great offseason pick up from the Celtics who will be a nice Power Forward addition to the Sixers. Nik Stauskas and Justin Anderson have both improved their game in many aspects this year and can help off the bench at the shooting guard or small forward position.

The hype for the upcoming Sixers season is obvious. It could be the second year in a row they have two Rookie of the Year candidates in Fultz and Simmons. The Sixers young talent and new additions as well as a strong bench presence will be a spectacle to watch. Fans have shown their excitement with buying season tickets and “Trust The Process” chants heard throughout the world. The Eastern Conference is not as strong as usual and this means the door is wide open for the Sixers to show they can be a contender in the East. Buckle up because it is going to be quite the season!