Philadelphia 76ers: Their realistic expectations in the Eastern Conference

Philadelphia 76ers: Sifting through the hype and finding realistic expectations

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 22: Markelle Fultz walks on stage with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers during the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – APRIL 23: Paul George /

The Western Conference is at an all-time high

If the NBA’s talent distribution were a Broadway show from the 1950s, it would definitely be West Side Story. Paul George, Paul Millsap, Jeff Teague, and Jimmy Butler all have all gone into the Western Conference in the last month.

Nate Silver’s FiveThirtyEight shows the balance of power shifting more and more to the West.

There is an obvious reaction to more stars in the West; there is now an all-time low on stars in the Eastern Conference. This is especially telling when you consider some Eastern Conference sides like Cleveland, Boston, and Toronto have multiple inclusions into that top 30.

If ever there was a time for a young side to gain playoff experience, that time is now. Especially if you are to believe recent rumor that the best player in basketball will also be joining the Western Conference next year.

If LeBron does leave the Cavs, the East could be up for the taking. The time to start getting reps in the playoffs has begun for a slew of young Eastern Conference sides. There are more spots open in the playoffs than ever before.