Sir Charles in Charge
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NBA Atlantic Division Outlook: Are The Celtics Ready To Overtake Toronto?

By Ryan Piers

Oct 30, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry (7) drives the ball against Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas (4) defending during the 2nd quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry (7) drives the ball against Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas (4) defending during the 2nd quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 4, 2016; Amherst, MA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Richaun Holmes (22) reacts after scoring during the second half against the Boston Celtics at William D. Mullins Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2016; Amherst, MA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Richaun Holmes (22) reacts after scoring during the second half against the Boston Celtics at William D. Mullins Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

Philadelphia 76ers

2015-16 Record: 10-72, Last place in the East and Atlantic 

Unlike their fellow basement dwellers, the arrow for the Philadelphia franchise points up. They 76ers bypassed the sexy pick in potentially all-world scorer and Duke product Brandon Ingram in the draft, selecting the versatile and safe Ben Simmons. Unfortunately a foot injury will set him back a couple months.

Let’s not pretend the 76ers are going to be contenders. But significant progression, maybe 10 to 15 more wins, would be a positive sign. For that to happen, Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel need to stay healthy and productive. And the x-factor is Joel Embiid, the Kansas standout. After missing his first two seasons, any sort of solid production is a positive. And just that idea of a former third overall pick coming back from a two-year injury is noteworthy.

If nothing else the 76ers are intriguing. Four talented, young products that are all post players; rarely has an accumulation of so many top picks teamed up together at one time. And there is so little to write home about in the backcourt. How coach Brett Brown his able to design his offense around a unique set of players will dictate a lot.