Philadelphia 76ers
Entering this season, it was pretty much title or bust for the Philadelphia 76ers. After a disappointing showing in the playoffs against the Miami Heat, the Sixers went all-in during the offseason. James Harden re-signed at a discount and the team retooled their supporting cast around their big three.
Despite the injuries that the Sixers have had to battle so far this season, they have been pretty solid. But solid was not the goal for the Sixers before the season. And solid is not going to win a championship. And solid is still a tier below the likes of the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference.
If the Sixers are going to have a puncher’s chance of winning a championship this season, they’re going to need to make a meaningful move at the NBA Trade Deadline. The Sixers, when healthy, have the talent to compete with any other team in the league. Still, the Sixers may be a piece away.