Smile, Philadelphia 76ers have 3 championship pieces on roster

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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) /

Recent history

However the cause and effect, the pattern for top talent on the Philadelphia 76ers has been some level of red-shirting in their first season. It began with Nerlens Noel, and continues all the way through to Markelle Fultz. At least one significant player for the Philadelphia 76ers sits on the bench for the first season.

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But the results of that anticipation have been phenomenal. Joel Embiid sat two years, Ben Simmons sat one. In both cases, they arrived to the NBA and were immediately turning heads. Talent, it seems, does not grow stale on the Philadelphia 76ers bench.

Fultz adapting, but at home

Fultz is adapting to a brand new environment at an age of 19 years old. Much like young men joining the military, it’s a strange and alien environment. It’s all business by day, and on-your-own by night. But that is simply the off-court culture. On the court, it’s all the same.

Style takes time to adapt. Pain takes time to overcome. Mechanics require plenty of repetition to relearn. And the Philadelphia 76ers, who had waited patiently for each of the other two stars, know all this. But fans grown impatient. We see the excellence of Simmons and Embiid and we know the NBA is vulnerable. Fultz, when he is fully integrated into the lineup, delivers that extra scoring ability to take these 76ers over the top. Fans instinctively know it, and they are eager.