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Sixers title potential hinges on Markelle Futlz and Ben Simmons

By Lucas Johnson

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 11: Markelle Fultz #20 and Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers look on during halftime of the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on April 11, 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 11: Markelle Fultz #20 and Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers look on during halftime of the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on April 11, 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Philadelphia 76ers have the potential to win the NBA title, but that all hinges on the development of Markelle Fultz and Ben Simmons.

The lack of a home-run offseason trade or signing shouldn’t discourage Philadelphia 76ers fans. While the Sixers didn’t make any big offseason acquisitions, the team is in an even better position to make the NBA Finals this upcoming season than they were last season.

Certainly LeBron James going to the Los Angeles Lakers gives the 76ers an easier road to the Finals, but there are two x-factors that will determine if Philadelphia competes for a championship this upcoming season. The development of Ben Simmons and Markelle Fultz will determine if the Sixers have what it takes to win a championship.

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This isn’t to say that the rest of players on the team aren’t important to the Sixers success. Joel Embiid was one of the most valuable players on last year’s roster. However, if the team is to actually win a championship, both Fultz and Simmons will have to become the top two players for the club.

In the past, I have written about the offseason work Fultz has put into reworking his jump shot and the hype building around it. As I wrote in a previous article that if Fultz can become the player he was in college, then he would form a big three with Simmons and Embiid. Getting close to his potential will give another legit perimeter threat on offense for the 76ers.

Then there is Ben Simmons, newly minted Rookie of the Year. Simmons had a fantastic first year and is a franchise cornerstone for years to come, however he still has a lot to work on in his game, as mentioned in a previous article. The good news for fans is that he has been working hard this summer.

There are multiple pictures of Simmons building up his body physically on Instagram. The picture below is the one of the most recent posted by Simmons.

It’s good that Simmons is building up his body for the physical grind of the NBA, however that may not be the most important work he is doing this summer. It appears a twitter user recorded a story from Simmons’ Instagram and posted it showing Simmons shooting and converting a 3-point shot.

While this video is very encouraging, fans shouldn’t think that Simmons will become a 40.0 percent 3-point shooter next season. He didn’t even convert any of the 11 3-point shots he attempted last season. However, if he can make at least one a game, it would make him near impossible to guard him on offense.

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If development of those two players pays off this summer and they reach near their full potential this upcoming season, then the sky is the limit for the Philadelphia 76ers. With the core of Simmons, Fultz and Embiid playing to their potential, Philly could look like the Miami Heat when James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh lead that franchise to back-to-back NBA Championship.