The Philadelphia 76ers have three young studs on their roster. Can the players live up to the large expectations that have been set for them?
This upcoming season the Philadelphia 76ers got their hands on a potential franchise player, a Croation Olympic hero, and player once dubbed the next Hakeem Olajuwon. If they can live up to the expectation, the 76ers look to have a bright future. Only time will tell if this comes to fruition.
Ben Simmons
Ben Simmons, the No. 1 overall pick from this year’s draft, is walking into a struggling team, immediately dubbed as its best player and with the expectations of being the player that will guide the 76ers out of the dark tunnel.
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In college Simmons’ point mainly came from inside the paint, only attempting three 3-pointers all season, making only one. Despite that, he averaged over 19 points a game, and he obviously is a gifted scorer. But will he be able to handle the dominant big men in the NBA? Will he eventually develope a 3-point shot, like Kawhi Leonard has? There’s a lot of pressure on Ben Simmons to succeed as he’s had the spotlight on him since high school, and he’s handled with it well so far, 76ers fans only hope that continues.
Verdict: Simmons has shown what he is capable of in summer league, I think his game will transition well to the NBA game. He’ll thrive off the hype.
Joel Embiid
76ers fans had to wait two years to see Embiid on the court in a Sixers uniform. It looks as if Embiid has finally healed from those multiple feet injuries, such injuries that ruined the career of Greg Oden, and prematurely ended to careers of Hall of Famers, Yao Ming and Bill Walton. Embiid has showed great athletisicm and touch for a player of his size in the 30 second teaser videos, uploaded by his trainer. These videos makes 76er fans drool over the type of prospect they may have on their hands. Many people believe Embiid will start the season on minute restrictions since he hasn’t played a competitive game of basketball for over two years, fans will just have to stay patient to see what Embiid will bring.
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Vereict: Embiid is another player who will live off of the hype, he’s been doing it for the past two years. I think he’ll have a slow start to the season but once he’s in full affect, he’ll be tough to stop.
Dario Saric
The hero for the Croation National Team at the Olympics, blocking the shot of Pau Gasol in the last seconds of a nail butting game, definitely making 76ers fans excited to finally see Saric in a 76ers uniform. Fans also had to wait to years for Saric, sticking to his word that he made in draft night. He spent the last two years playing in Turkey for Anadolu Efes with new Sixer, Furkan Korkmaz. People see Saric playing the Ben Simmons role off of the bench, a combo-forward with excellent court vision and passing ability. Saric has already become a cult hero amongst Sixer fans, given the nickname ‘The Homie’.
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Verdict: The hype train for Saric has got a bit out of hand, some people think he could be a franchise player, some think a career sixth man. He definitely has the tools to live up to the hype, but will Ben Simmons stand in his way?