The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Can Philadelphia 76ers Match Eagles 2016 Success?

By Bret Stuter

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
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 /
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December 30, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown instructs during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena. The 76ers defeated the Kings 110-105. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 30, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown instructs during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena. The 76ers defeated the Kings 110-105. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Team Impact

Winning begets winning.  So lets summarize the Utopian stats so far:

Simmons – 32 MPG, 16.8 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 7.0 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.8 BPG.
Embiid      – 24 MPG, 14.0 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.8 BPG
Saric          – 24 MPG, 15.0 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.2 BPG

That equates to a trio who would upgrade the top three scorers of the team last season, and do so with far fewer minutes.  While the team no longer enjoys point guard Ish Smith‘s offense, Both Jahlil Okafor, Nerlens Noel and Robert Covington will be returning to the team next season.

If nothing else changes, the team will easily average over 102 points per game, 44 rebounds per game, 24 assists per game, and 6.2 blocks per game, all at or better than average in the NBA.

If Brown is successful at sharply improving the team defense, this team could have just as shocking of an impact on the NBA.  While counting on three rookies to excel is not realistic, those number are completely diluted as almost no NBA rookie has his best season in his first year.

From these projections (Embiid center, Saric power forward, and Simmons Point/small forward), the team would show dramatic improvement in many important statistics.  Would that translate into significantly more wins?

Yes.

So while we continue to keep both feet firmly on the ground, the rush of the Eagles’ wings overhead had shown Philadelphia fans that sometimes rookies soar.

Next: Elton Brand Re-signing Sets Stage For 2017 Free Agency

If it happens to the rookies of the Philadelphia 76ers, you will be ready.