The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Comparing Philadelphia 76ers 1983 NBA Champs vs. 2018 roster

By Bret Stuter

PHILADELPHIA,PA - MARCH 24 : Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers dunks the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Wells Fargo Center on March 24, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA,PA - MARCH 24 : Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers dunks the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Wells Fargo Center on March 24, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
7 of 7
Next

But Ben is something… special

Someday, Ben Simmons may make that trek as well. To the NBA Hall of Fame? To an NBA Championship? But folks, right now he is delivering in his rookie season like a well-seasoned veteran. And with whomever you compare him, he stands toe-to-toe with NBA legends in their rookie season.

In some ways, he’s comparing well with veterans too.

Ben Simmons keeps getting better

Ben Simmons is out of this world right now. He notched his 12th triple double of the season, and is now third on the team’s all time list.


And he’s just getting started.  In fact, he keeps getting better as the season moves on. When he plays, he produces. The fact is that with the Philadelphia 76ers margin of victory so high, he is pulled from the games by the wisdom of head coach Brett Brown.  Managing game minutes is a modern NBA consideration.

Next: Translating Philadelphia 76ers Joel Embiid medical update into playoff timetables

Now, top players average 30 minutes per game. In 1983, players averaged 36 or more minutes. While that extends the career of the NBA’s best, it does dilute the statistics of the players. What it comes down to is that the 1982-1983 Philadelphia 76ers were the best of the NBA in their era. The game has changed, and so has the configuration of the teams competing for the top spot. While this is the first time this team enters the postseason, it won’t be the last.  And in comparison, the team is close to one of the NBA’s historic best teams. Could this be the year?  Well, we know Philadelphia plays the underdog role very well. And this 76ers team will be underdogs.