Philadelphia 76ers Building the 2016 Bench

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Jan 27, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown talks with his team during the fourth quarter of the game against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. The Pistons defeated the 76ers 110-97. Mandatory Credit: Leon Halip-USA TODAY Sports /

With the Philadelphia 76ers officially eliminated from the playoff, there is more basketball to play. But what is the motivation? There are limited roster spots to go around next season, and that means competition for those spots begins now

It is a disappointing season, even by the standards of the Philadelphia 76ers. Once on a run that allowed hopes for nearly 30 wins, the team has regressed to the point where repeating 18 wins from last season may be overly optimistic. In fact, the team is on a losing streak that may compete with the dismal opening losing streak to the season. The hopes that began to thaw when the team emerged from the Christmas holidays with nearly .500 ball has frozen over again, robbing Philadelphia fans of the opportunity to get excited as the season draws to a close.

But while the play on the basketball court has robbed the feeling from the hearts of virtually every Philadelphia 76ers fan, there is a reserve power source to this team. It’s time to switch to the hope that comes from the mind. Knowledge that the Philadelphia 76ers will only get better in the off-season. Why? Well the team will have a healthy Joel Embiid returning to the active lineup. He has been the team’s keystone in waiting for two years. His two year rehab has been the focus of the teams decline, but his return will be the trigger for the rebuild to get underway.

Alongside Embiid will be the arrival of Euroleague star Dario Saric. Saric has committed to return to the NBA in the 2016-2017 season, and will be welcomed with open arms. His play as a forward epitomizes what both head coach Brett Brown and assistant head coach Mike D’Antoni are looking for in a big man. He can shoot, defend, and pass accurately to anywhere on the basketball court.

It’s that combination of Embiid and Saric which will change the make up of the team in 2016 significantly, as well as relieving the pressure for the team to hit on each of their possible four first round draft picks. Of the pair, both are projected starters on the 2016-2017 roster. With the arrival of two bigs, the team will find it necessary to decide between offensive powerhouse Jahlil Okafor, and his teammate and defensive power house Nerlens Noel, as the starting center. Three starters and one reserve.

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The team is still working out the bugs in the back court. While the team currently gives the nod to point guard Ish Smith and shooting guard Nik Stauskas, neither has cemented a starting role going forward. And with the recent trade talks leaking after the trade deadline expired, it seems as though the team will continue to shop for a point guard upgrade during this off-season. With the team enjoying in a worst case scenario no less than one 2016 top five draft pick and two other first round draft picks, there will certainly be plenty of opportunity for the team to fill the back court with promising candidates. Even if the team spends a draft pick or two in a trade, you can bet the focus of those trades will be the back court. So with all starting roles likely accounted for, the remainder of this season will be players trying to earn their spot on the team next year. Six spots are accounted for. Nine remain.

Next: Who Makes the 2016 Roster?