Apr 15, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown rubs his head in reaction to a turnover against the Miami Heat during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Heat won 105-101. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Philadelphia 76ers
Last Year’s Outcome: 18-64, Lottery
Best-Case Scenario: 30-Win Season
Why: I’m not crazy about the Philadelphia 76ers roster, but I do love two players – Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel. And those two pieces on their frontline could end up being the true cornerstones of the franchise moving forward. And even though that combo won’t be taking this Sixers team to the playoffs anytime soon, they can certainly take a few steps towards that ultimate goal.
And don’t be surprised if that begins this season.
Worst-Case Scenario: 15-Win Season
Why: For all the fuss that has been made about the Sixers tanking, it’s honestly been really sad to witness – all jokes aside. This is a team that simply isn’t fielding enough talent to compete with most of the other teams in the NBA, and that shouldn’t be OK. And it’s not like this system has been working for the Sixers, either. After two full years of tanking, all the Sixers have to show for it is Jahlil Okafor and Joel Embiid, who hasn’t yet played in an official NBA game.
What Will Probably Happen: 20-Win Season
Why: I don’t expect the Sixers to be MUCH better than they were last season. They’ll be bad, probably make more head-scratching NBA trade deadline deals and many will applaud Sam Hinkie for being a master at collecting draft picks. Though, I honestly still have no idea what Hinkie plans on doing with all these collected assets.
Next: Phoenix Suns