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

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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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – APRIL 23: JJ Redick
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – APRIL 23: JJ Redick

Arms race, or retreat?

Many NBA experts talk about the arms race in the NBA western conference. Some of that could be true.  But there is a different answer too.

Looking at the depth of this Philadelphia 76ers team, when success happens, it will come in a long train of winning seasons. Perhaps part of the race to the west is not only about teams trying to compete there, but in the belief that if they don’t win now, there will be less chance down the road if they are not playing for the Sixers.

Sixers stockpiled for long championship run

The Sixers have plenty of cash, picks, and players stashed internationally.  The team simply needs to be healthy and develop.  And right now, that is what this season is all about.

Joel Embiid is cooking up a feast in Philadelphia. He is as gifted as they come, both on offense and defense.  For nearly three years, he has had to endure the NBA’s worst trolling.

Next: Philadelphia 76ers: Post Free Agency NBA Power Rankings

That all changes this year. As the Philadelphia 76ers showcase their stuff, the tone will soon change.  They are not out to impress anyone, nor to make the trolling stop. They are out to win, and the first stop to success is the playoffs. The second step is the NBA Eastern Conference.
And after that, the NBA Championship.