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ESPN’s “League Pass Rankings” slot Sixers at No. 5

By Christopher Kline

CAMDEN, NJ - SEPTEMBER 25: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers jokes around during the Philadelphia 76ers Media Day on September 25, 2017 at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex in Camden, New Jersey.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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
CAMDEN, NJ - SEPTEMBER 25: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers jokes around during the Philadelphia 76ers Media Day on September 25, 2017 at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex in Camden, New Jersey.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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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In ESPN’s most recent ‘League Pass Rankings,’ Zach Lowe tabbed the Philadelphia 76ers as the fifth most entertaining group in the league.

The NBA season is finally (almost) upon us, which means Zach Lowe has once again released his annual League Pass Rankings over at ESPN. Aside from the fact that you should always read Lowe’s work, this piece tends to be an entertaining read — filled with both insight and a general appreciation for the product that certain teams will put on the floor.

The rankings are based on five criteria: Zeitgeist (casual conversation value), highlight production, style, League Pass minutia (broadcast, arena, etc.), and unintentional comedy (we’re looking at you, JaVale McGee).

Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers /

Philadelphia 76ers

This year, the Philadelphia 76ers came in fifth — a sizable leap forward considering their rankings in years past. With Joel Embiid returning alongside Ben Simmons and Markelle Fultz, though, such a boost isn’t unexpected.

Here’s some of what Lowe had to say:

"“If Joel Embiid were slated to play more, the Sixers could make a run to the No. 2 spot. But I would be surprised if he logs 60 games even if he’s healthy, which means we should prepare for an almost-best-case-scenario of 50. That leaves 30-plus for the rest of the Philly roster, still glowing with starry potential.But the lure of the unknown — Ben Simmons, Markelle Fultz — can only take you so far. Most rookies are bad. We have to see a little something before slotting Philly any higher.” — Zach Lowe, ESPN"

In general, the No. 5 spot does seem like a more-than-reasonable place to kick off the season. Embiid does raise the entertainment value, while Simmons and Fultz are both special talents, but there are some question marks that haven’t yet been answered. If Embiid’s health wavers, that could certainly drop them on the basis of inconsistency alone.

With that said, Simmons and Fultz both project as above-average rookies — even with Fultz’s recent jump shot concerns. Their physical tools should allow them to compete at a high level on both ends early on, while their basketball I.Q. hovers well above that of most first-year players.

Brett Brown preaches defense, and his offense will only become more up-tempo with the addition of Simmons as the lead ball handler. They have the talent needed to make exciting things happen on either side of the ball, and the general pleasures of watching one of the league’s best young cores come together could be worth the $200 non-Pennsylvania residents need to pay to get a hold of League Pass.

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