Philadelphia 76ers top five biggest threats in Eastern Conference

Philadelphia 76ers logo (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
Philadelphia 76ers logo (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
1 of 6
SHENZHEN, CHINA – OCTOBER 8: Joel Embiid #21 and Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers talks to the media following the game as part of the 2018 China Games on October 8, 2018 at the Shenzhen Universiade Center in Shenzhen, China. 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 Randy Belice/NBAE via Getty Images)
SHENZHEN, CHINA – OCTOBER 8: Joel Embiid #21 and Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers talks to the media following the game as part of the 2018 China Games on October 8, 2018 at the Shenzhen Universiade Center in Shenzhen, China. 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 Randy Belice/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Philadelphia 76ers are to be one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference this upcoming season, but it won’t be an easy road for the franchise.

After a breakout season for the Philadelphia 76ers, there’s no secret that the expectation for the club is high. The team has a developing young duo in All-Star Joel Embiid and reigning Rookie of the Year Ben Simmons. Other players like Dario Saric and Markelle Fultz are expected to continue to develop.

Veterans like J.J. Redick, Mike Muscala and Wilson Chandler (once fully healed) will play a big role in the team’s success. The Sixers need those  veterans there to hit open three pointers when the opportunity arises. Even Amir Johnson will have to step up when his name is called. Without those veteran stepping up and doing their job, there’s a good chance that the team takes a step back.

More from Sixers News

Like the veterans, the Sixers will also need young players like rookies Landry Shamet, Jonah Bolden and Zhaire Smith (when healthy) to be able to contribute as well. Furkan Korkmaz is also another young player the Sixers will need to rely upon until Chandler returns from his injury.

There’s strong promise around this young roster and they should be competing for a championship for seasons to come. However, there is no easy path to an NBA Title and the Sixers won’t have a cake walk through the Eastern Conference while getting to the NBA Finals. There are several teams that could give the Sixers a rough time reaching the finals.