Smile, Philadelphia 76ers have 3 championship pieces on roster

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CHICAGO, IL – FEBRUARY 22: Head coach Brett Brown of the Philadelphia 76ers walks across the court during a timeout in the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on February 22, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. 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. (Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Three stars need time to shine

The talent of the 76ers players is so high, that they get lumped into the NBA veterans rather easily. And as such, the erratic nature of their play is oftentimes called into question. While that is fine in terms of setting the expectation for play at a higher level, the fix is not simply a night of coaching.

Each player, in their own right, can take over a game. But none of the three have enough NBA experience to have a true feel for the game. None have the understanding of when its okay to pass off the ball, and when to drive to the basket 100 percent of the time. None fully understand the need to be more aggressive, and when to be. Wisdom is simply getting things wrong and learning from the mistakes. Right now, all three are gaining NBA wisdom.

Don’t discount them now

But even with all that being said, this team is one win away from a 40 win season, a plateau so many pundits said they could never reach this season. And this team did so, without the play of Markelle Fultz. Embiid with 23.6 points and 11.2 rebounds per game. Simmons with his Triple Doubles. And now with a roster with seven players scoring in double figures.

Next: How much of an issue is Dario Saric’s defense?

When we set the expectations for the team just 27 games into the season, we acknowledged that the team would have to grow familiar with one another. In that analysis, we projected the team to get to 31-24. Instead, the team was 30-25. Close. In that projection, the final record stood at 50 wins 32 losses. Right now the team is 39 wins and 30 losses. While the likelihood of ending up at 50 wins is unlikely, it’s not impossible if the team plays well in the final 13 games. And with the play of Embiid and Simmons peaking right now, anything going forward is possible.
But it gets better each season from here on out.