The Philadelphia 76ers have had newfound success this NBA season. Behind a promising young core, are they now poised to real in big-name free agents?
Some believe that the Philadelphia 76ers may be poised for a playoff push as soon as next season. Considering Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, Dario Saric, and possibly two top draft picks (named Malik Monk and Markelle Fultz if you like to dream like I do) may take the floor together next year, this is a very reasonable prediction.
It’s no secret to anyone that Philadelphia hasn’t been a preferred landing spot for top-notch free agents these past few seasons, and rightfully so. NBA superstars don’t find losing places attractive to go to during free agency.
Has that narrative changed? Are the Philadelphia 76ers a team of contention again? Are superstars now attracted to Philly due to the young core and promising future?
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Many signs point toward this idea. It is no secret that Philadelphia is a historic and fun place to play basketball, especially now, alongside multi-generational talents of Embiid and Simmons that currently grace the roster.
NBA’s Praise
The NBA is recognizing this as well. In a recent game against the Golden State Warriors, 76ers players received high praise from the Warriors team and players after the game.
According to Jessica Camerato of CSNPhilly.com, forward Draymond Green had lost of praise for the Philadelphia 76ers.
"They're going to be really, really, really good." NBA-leading #Warriors see big things for #Sixers. @JCameratoCSN: https://t.co/u5Dj5BefLT
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) February 28, 2017
Also per Camerato, guard Klay Thompson added, “They’re heading in the right direction. They’ll only get better this June because they have some high picks. It’s a bright future in Philly.”
This is just one game’s worth of examples of high praise around the league for the Philadelphia 76ers. It shows the new respect of teams and players.
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Other players like Hassan Whiteside have praised the Sixers and Embiid especially.
This could mean great things for the Sixers for off-seasons to come. They now may bring in a potential superstar that would cement the team and make them an instant contender. Kevin Durant is a free agent in 2018.
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Then, LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, Paul George, and Klay Thompson are free agents in 2019. Now, I’m not saying that the 76ers are going to bring two or three of these guys in, but one player from that pool of superstars will make this team an instant contender.
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After all, who wouldn’t want to play in front of the best fans in the world? Who wouldn’t want to play with a young and energetic team poised for title contention? With the 76ers’ recent success, they’re back on the map to land big name free agents.