NBA: Way-too-early championship contender rankings for 2021

8. Philadelphia 76ers

Philly’s acquisition of Doc Rivers as their head coach provides a veteran and accomplished voice to get through to the Sixers franchise pieces in Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. The team playing to their size may be the start of something progressive for the franchise.

Embiid showcasing his greatness under the basket and Ben Simmons playing more downhill as a big guard can make up for his stagnate jump-shooting ability. The key for Philly to maximize a title opening will be to get a few more pure-bread shooters to fit within their heavy frontcourt set. If the plan is to build through Simmons, Tobias Harris, and Embiid, snipers need to populate them around the perimeter.

There are many to choose from in this year’s draft and with Philly expected to pick in the lower teens; selecting one and using their marksmanship from day one can pay huge dividends for postseason success.