The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers 0-3 preseason shows plenty of positives

By Bret Stuter

CAMDEN, NJ - SEPTEMBER 25: Ben Simmons #25, Joel Embiid #21 and Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers pose for the camera 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: Ben Simmons #25, Joel Embiid #21 and Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers pose for the camera 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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PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 4: Joel Embiid
PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 4: Joel Embiid /

What have we learned so far?

On one hand, a fast start for the Philadelphia 76ers, where the team jumps out to a lead in a playoff hunt, is unlikely this year. On the other hand, this team has enough talent to challenge some very good teams.

But one fact that jumps out at you?  The team needs their lynch pin, center Joel Embiid, to make it all work.  It’s no small coincidence that the team recently extended the young Cameroon on a max contract laced with protections.  It is the right time to make the extension, and the move will serve as the catalyst to convert a promising team into a team focused on delivering now.

Jojo is a go go!

Now, Joel Embiid has played a total of 31 games. But in those 31 games he showed up on offense and defense. He played hard, redirected opposing offenses simply by his presence on the court. He led the team in offense, and led the team in defense.  And that came from 31 games in his rookie season.  In his sophomore year, he will be that much better.

But there is plenty more information where that came from. So let’s dig a little and see which gold nuggets we can unearth in the rubble of this preseason so far?