Sir Charles in Charge
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Philadelphia 76ers: Sifting through the hype and finding realistic expectations

By Vince Massara

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)
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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CLEVELAND, OH – MARCH 06: Head coach Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat looks on from the bench while playing the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on March 6, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. Miami won the game 106-98. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – MARCH 06: Head coach Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat looks on from the bench while playing the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on March 6, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. Miami won the game 106-98. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Teams looking to jump into the playoffs

With five teams from last season’s playoffs being locks, the race is really for three spots. Who is the Philadelphia 76ers’ competition for these three spots?

Indiana Pacers

Out of all the teams in last years’ playoffs who were not locks to be back again, the Pacers look most likely to chase a birth. Never a side to bottom out, the Pacers signed the veteran point guard, Darren Collison to a deal and will look to him along with Monta Ellis, Lance Stephenson, Victor Oladipo and Myles Turner to lead the side.

Verdict: If they make it, the East is worse than we all thought 

Miami Heat

Miami had a Jekyll and Hyde season. Almost on the verge of bottoming out after a horrendous start to the season, the Heat had a fairytale second half of the season and nearly made the playoffs. In fact, they were really a Dion Waiters injury away. Mighty impressive, seeing Chris Bosh, Justise Winslow were both out for the majority of the year.

They have enough cap space to bring the band back together and add further complimentary pieces.

Verdict: Lock

Detroit Pistons

It was not that long ago the Detroit Pistons were pushing the Cavs in playoff games and looked like a team of the future. Now they are probably the side with the bleakest outlook for the next five years. However, all is not lost. This season, the Pistons could still push themselves for a playoff spot. A core of Andre Drummond, Reggie Jackson, Marcus Morris, Tobias Harris and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope should be strong enough to make the playoffs.

Verdict: in the mix 

Charlotte Hornets

The Hornets were another side which underperformed last season after a strong showing in the 2015-16 season. All-Star guard, Kemba Walker has solid pieces around him, and they should be able to improve on their disappointing season. The Hornets also added Dwight Howard in what was basically a salary dump. Howard’s limitations have become known recently, but Dwight gets teams into the playoffs.

He has seen playoff basketball in 10 out of his 13 seasons. Whilst he may not be able to compete with the very best sides, he still feasts on most of the NBA.

Verdict: Should make the playoffs