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

Bret Stuter|
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)
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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BOSTON – JUNE 7: If the Celtics lose in Game Seven on Saturday night, this could be the final snapshot of the ‘Big Three’ era at the Garden as Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen are a glum bunch on the bench in the fourth quarter, having already been pulled from the game. The Boston Celtics hosted the Miami Heat for game six of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden. (Photo by Jim Davis/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
BOSTON – JUNE 7: If the Celtics lose in Game Seven on Saturday night, this could be the final snapshot of the ‘Big Three’ era at the Garden as Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen are a glum bunch on the bench in the fourth quarter, having already been pulled from the game. The Boston Celtics hosted the Miami Heat for game six of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden. (Photo by Jim Davis/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Can’t win for losing

To finish in the top five of the Eastern Conference last year, a team merely needed to play 52.5 percent or better.  The 2016-2017 Atlanta Hawks finished four games over .500.  They have regressed.  In fact, in the Eastern Conference, much of the story will not be about which team improved, but which team sustained their talent level relative to the other teams.

NBA Trade Rumors: 1 Player from each team most likely to be traded in-season
NBA Trade Rumors: 1 Player from each team most likely to be traded in-season

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    • The Boston Celtics scored Gordan Hayward in free agency.  But the team lost Kelly Olnyk, Amir Johnson, and Avery Bradley.  Is that now a better team? Well, how’s the hip of Isaiah Thomas?

    The Toronto Raptors lost P.J. Tucker and Patrick Patterson to free agency.  Have they improved in the paint?

    The Washington Wizards lost Bojan Bogdanavich to free agency too.

    Sixers improved

    On one hand, the Philadelphia 76ers added J.J. Redick and Amir Johnson to a roster with Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid, and Jerryd Bayless returning to health, as well as Markelle Fultz coming in as the 2017 NBA Draft top selection.  The team has gained ground this year.

    On the other hand, the 76ers debut two consensus top NBA draft picks simultaneously. This is historic for the NBA, and is lost in the shuffle of NBA veteran talent to the western conference.  The future of the NBA is centered in Philadelphia.  That future is starting now.