For these Philadelphia 76ers, the best is yet to come

The Philadelphia 76ers have already jumped out to an 8-6 record. That was despite 10 of the first 14 games on the road. It’s also despite facing teams with a combined 109-98. But the best of this team is yet to come

The Philadelphia 76ers are breaking unfamiliar ground this year. Opening a season with modest expectations, the team has jumped into post-season discussions rather early in the NBA year. At 8-6, despite solid competition and road games, the team is now turning heads.  And deservedly so, I might add. After all, this team is so very very young, but already showcasing some of the best NBA talent in the league.

Center Joel Embiid is 14th ranked in the league in scoring. 9th in rebounds, and sixth in blocks. Embiid has played 43 NBA games.  His teammate Ben Simmons is 41st ranked in the league in scoring, 17th in rebounds, and fifth in assists.  He has played in 14 NBA games.

The best is yet to come

Two stars. Two players who have earned the right to be considered “NBA stars of tomorrow”. 57 total NBA games between them.  When you pause a moment to consider that the team has yet to witness the material impact of 2017 top-pick Markelle Fultz, the logical conclusion is that this team will become THAT much better soon.  From where the team is, to someplace better?  How is that even possible?

It’s not only possible, it’s the likely future of this team. So what will that “better” look like, and when will it kick in?  Well the first phase of that will occur when Fultz earns playing time once more.  When that happens, the team will take on an entirely new dynamic.

That new dynamic will be better offense, and defense.