3. Defense
The Sixers feasted on the defensive end last season. Joel Embiid earned second team All-Defense honors and was runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year. Robert Covington made first team All-Defense at a loaded wing position. Ben Simmons might soon join them.
There were definite issues with the Sixers’ defense last season — mainly in the second unit — and the Celtics exposed them in the postseason. But, even with those concerns, the Sixers are on the same level as teams like Golden State, Toronto, Utah and Oklahoma City when it comes to two-way effectiveness.
Outside of Rudy Gobert, Embiid is the NBA’s most impactful rim protector. His 7-foot-2 frame makes him an immediate deterrent at the rim, while his mobility and instincts are more advanced than anybody else his size. He averaged 1.8 blocks per game last season, a number that should only get higher as his minutes increase.
Covington was equally as impressive in a far different light. While complaints about his point of attack defense are valid, Covington’s switch-friendly nature and nose for the ball made him an integral part of Brett Brown’s rotation.
At 6-foot-9, Covington often handled the opposition’s most difficult matchup. He also slithered into passing lanes at a high clip, racking up deflections and forcing turnovers. Simply put, RoCo is one of the best team defenders out there.
Add in Simmons’ rise to All-Defense contention, and the Sixers have one of the best two-way cores in the league. Amir Johnson, Wilson Chandler, Zhaire Smith and Markelle Fultz only add to it off the bench. The Sixers will be an elite two-way team next season.