Can Philadelphia 76ers Match Eagles 2016 Success?

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Jun 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers number one overall draft pick Ben Simmons (R) is greeted by center Joel Embiid (L) during a press conference at the Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

While the Philadelphia 76ers prepare for a vastly improved 2016-2017 season, the Philadelphia Eagles have laid claim to the city with an impressive 3-0 start to the NFL season

If there are two sports that can lay claim to the heart of the city of Philadelphia, it’s basketball and football. I mean no disrespect to the Philadelphia Phillies nor to the Philadelphia Flyers organizations. But the pole position of the city is either: the Philadelphia 76ers or the Philadelphia Eagles.

Entering this season, the Eagles had assembled a new coaching staff under head coach Doug Pederson. The team also drafted a hoped-for franchise quarterback in North Dakota State University’s Carson Wentz. Meanwhile, the team added tough grit to it’s defense in the signing of defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.

Defense, and a rookie to run the offense.

Similarly, the Philadelphia 76ers seek to resuscitate the team’s fortunes by assembling a significantly new roster, spearheaded by the first player selected in the 2016 NBA Draft, Ben Simmons.