The Sixer Sense
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3 biggest long term threats to Philadelphia in the Eastern Conference

By Daniel Stets

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 8: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers on April 8, 2017 at Wells Fargo Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 8: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers on April 8, 2017 at Wells Fargo Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Who are the biggest threats to the Philadelphia 76ers long-term?

The Philadelphia 76ers are in a great spot. After their trade for Markelle Fultz, the Sixers have one of the best young cores since Oklahoma City’s core of three future hall of famers in Durant, Harden, and Westbrook.

Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers /

Philadelphia 76ers

However, Philadelphia isn’t going to contend for the Eastern Conference next year. Markelle Fultz and Ben Simmons are rookies. There are still major questions about Embiid’s health, as good as he is.

Once Philadelphia is ready to contend for a championship, they willl have competition. Who are the biggest long-term threats to Philadelphia’s quest for a conference title?

Before I start, I would like to make a point. I think LeBron James is leaving Cleveland. If he wasn’t, Cleveland would be on this list.

3.) Washington

Washington finished 49-33 last year. They had a very successful season, nearly making the Eastern Conference finals until Kelly Olynyk ended their season.

John Wall agreed to a four year contract extension, where he will be paid just north of 45 million dollars during the 2022-2023 season. The all star point guard is not leaving the Wizards anytime soon.

Otto Porter agreed to a 4 year maximum contract with the Wizards. Porter averaged 13.4 points per game last year, on 62.8 percent true shooting. He is only 24 years old too, Porter has room to improve even more.

Lastly, Bradley Beal has 4 years left on his contract. Washington’s core isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. For Philadelphia to win the Eastern Conference, Washington is a team they’ll need to beat.

2.) Milwaukee

Player X in his fourth year: 22.9 points per game, 5.4 assists per game, 8.8 rebounds per game, 54.1 percent eFG%, 59.9 percent TS%, 12.4 WS, 7.6 BPM, 6.9 VORP.

Player Y in his fourth year: 27.3 PPG, 6.0 assists per game, 6.7 rebounds per game, 50.7 percent eFG%, 55.2 TS%, 13.7 WS, 7.4 BPM,  7.6 VORP.

Must Read: Imagining LeBron James to the Sixers

Player X is Giannis Antentokounmpo, Player Y is LeBron James.

This is not to say Giannis will be as good as LeBron, or will be better. But it’s safe to say that Giannis is one of the best, if not the best, young players in the NBA. The Bucks also have Khris Middleton, Malcolm Brogdan and Thon Maker who both have three years left on their rookie deals. If Giannis stays with the Bucks long-term, they’ll be a major threat to Philadelphia going forward.

1.) Boston

Isaiah Thomas scored 28.9 PPG on 62.5 percent true shooting last year. That has been only been done eight times in NBA history. If Thomas stays in Boston, the Celtics will be very good for as long as Thomas is at his peak.

The Celtics also have Jae Crowder and Al Horford for three more years, and Gordon Hayward for four more years. The Celtics also have Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, the Brooklyn 2018 first round pick, and the Lakers/Kings selection from the Sixers.

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The Celtics have a unique combination of young players, draft picks, and current all stars at the peak of their career. The Celtics will be a major threat to the Sixers for the foreseeable future.