Philadelphia 76ers sights set on Eastern Conference title in two years

By Bret Stuter | Jul 17, 2017

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 27: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after a made basket against the Houston Rockets at the Wells Fargo Center on January 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

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The Philadelphia 76ers surprised everyone with 28 wins despite an injury depleted roster last season. So it should not surprise anyone that the team will challenge for the Eastern Conference title in two years

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid has started the countdown. If you don’t read the Sixer Sense, you may have missed this:

Embiid - "When I say we are going to be ready to win when the Cavs are going down, that doesn't mean, like, five years." Philly Inquirer
— 975TheFanatic (@975TheFanatic) May 17, 2017

And so, we had something to talk about. Embiid threw the gauntlet down upon the Cleveland Cavaliers. Meanwhile, nobody is talking about the Philadelphia 76ers rise in the Eastern Conference.

But they soon will be.

Markelle Fultz and Ben Simmons, both top draft picks from 2016 and 2017 respectively, debut on the team simultaneously this year. That has never happened in NBA history.

WATCH: #Sixers Markelle Fultz responds to comparisons to #Rockets All-Star James Harden: https://t.co/81mdAduC5z
— Matt Lombardo 🏈 (@MattLombardoNFL) June 23, 2017

While I do not advocate comparing any rookie to an established NBA elite, the fact is that the Philadelphia 76ers basketball talent is off the charts right now.