The Sixer Sense
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Philadelphia 76ers: The Croat And The Goat

By Bret Stuter

Oct 8, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavaliers won 108-105. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavaliers won 108-105. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Philadelphia 76ers 2016-2017 Season ride on the shoulders of two 2014 selected players: The Goat and The Croat

The Philadelphia 76ers were set up perfectly for this season. Perhaps it was too much to hope for, enjoying the 2016 NBA Draft top selection Ben Simmons, as well as the miraculous debut of two-year-redshirted rookies Joel Embiid and Dario Saric. As fates would play it out, it was too much positive karma too quickly.

And so, in a freakish accident, Ben Simmons fractured his foot and will be out of action for an estimated three months.  A team hoping to get a jump start on a rebuild process that is still years in the making was dealt another lesson in patience, humility, and trust.

Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers’ fans are ratcheting down expectations for the season.  But do not confuse this team as one without hope, optimism or stars.  You see, there are two young basketball stars marking their rookie debut for this team.  Each has come from a different corner of the globe to play professional basketball for the Philadelphia 76ers. Each has had a unique two-year journey to get here: one arrived but had to navigate rehabilitation of a very difficult injury, the other had to fight for time in the Euroleague’s fiecely competitive Turkish league on Anadolu Efes.   Both have finally debuted before the home crowd.

The 2016-2017 season of the Philadelphia 76ers is in the hands of two rookies: Joel Embiid and Dario Saric.

Or as they are referred to on some social media: The Croat And The Goat.

Catchy name. But this team is trying to better three years of disappointing records. Whatever the motivation, what changes can we hope for from two first year players?