John Calipari says the Sixers are “on the cusp” of breakthrough

John Calipari lobbed praise at the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday morning, saying that he thought the team was heading in the right direction.

It’s well understood that this Philadelphia 76ers team is bound to make some considerable strides in the upcoming seasons. With both Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons presumably healthy heading into next season, the team could have the two-way firepower needed to grapple for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Kentucky head coach John Calipari echoed those sentiments during an NBA Draft conference call Tuesday morning, according to CBS Philly‘s Andrew Porter:

While the Sixers don’t have any significant stock tying back to Kentucky, this is a roster that Calipari has experience with. Ben Simmons faced Kentucky a pair of times during his yearlong stint with LSU, while one of his more lauded veterans from recent seasons in Alex Poythress joined the squad late last season. Nerlens Noel, a former Calipari star, was traded at the deadline last season.

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As one of, if not the, best recruiters of all-time, Calipari has likely had his fair share of exposure in watching the players that currently make up the Sixers’ core. While the praise isn’t necessarily worth reading into, it does point towards a general consensus that is continually gaining steam — this Sixers team could be really good.

Just recently, former Sixer Andre Iguodala complimented Philadelphia’s organization and the direction of the team, saying that Embiid and the Sixers have the chance to become NBA champions. Back in September of 2014, the former Finals MVP set a precursor for such a statement, tweeting “I got high expectations, Joel Embiid.”

This year’s third overall pick — whether the Sixers draft one of Cal’s Kentucky prodigies or not — could provide the culminating point for The Process‘ most complete team to date. A healthy Simmons/Embiid dynamic, when combined with a player of Josh Jackson or Lonzo Ball’s ilk, gives Brett Brown a triad of weapons he simply hasn’t had during his early years as head coach in Philadelphia.

Jackson’s two-way versatility and Ball’s movement-inducing brilliance on the offensive end bring different benefits, but could lead to similar growth as a unit. Their developmental tracks could differ, while immediate impacts may vary, but the improvement — in time — seems almost unavoidable.

There’s also the off chance that the team vies for a piece like Dennis Smith Jr. or Jayson Tatum, with Calipari’s own Malik Monk and De’Aaron Fox remaining possibilities.

More Draft: Josh Jackson brings versatility

The Sixers have the chance to establish one of the league’s best defensive units, as Embiid’s rim protection helps anchor a unit that already yields one of the league’s most under-appreciated perimeter defenders in Robert Covington. When throwing Simmons’ versatility into that mix, they could be one of the league’s most consistently effective defensive teams as soon as next season.

They also have a looming sense of upside on the offensive end. When Embiid was healthy, he was already showing flashes of polished scoring at all three levels. While there were still times where his mind outpaced his body, his combination of silky post moves, a viable 3-point stroke and excellent mobility off the bounce is an incredibly promising sign for one of the NBA’s foremost physical freaks.

Simmons’ penetration and generational feel could open up passing lanes and inspire player movement that Brett Brown hasn’t been able to attain in recent years. He also has excellent touch as a scorer, with the development of his jumper outside from the free throw line extended providing the only hurdle between him and a potentially-unquestioned status as an NBA star.

Next: Tracking the Sixers in mock drafts -- Josh Jackson aplenty

They’re a young team that continues to pile on pieces around their core. Calipari may be one of the few saying it, but the notion goes unchallenged. Few teams have the long term potential that this Sixers team currently possesses.