14. Philadelphia 76ers
With as many questions that surround the Philadelphia 76ers heading into the start of training camp, it’s only natural to be a bit bullish on their chances in the Eastern Conference. At least for the time being, it doesn’t appear as if James Harden will play another game for the team. And if he’s not playing this season, Joel Embiid isn’t going to have a sufficient supporting cast to make much noise in the postseason.
It’s unlikely the Sixers are going to get equal value back from Harden and if that doesn’t happen, it puts this team in a very bad spot when it comes to competing with the likes of the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics. Unless, of course, the Sixers are able to swing for a player like Jrue Holiday, who finds himself on the trade block.
Short of that happening, the Sixers will have an uphill climb up the standings in the Eastern Conference – even if Embiid continues to play at an NBA MVP level.