Philadelphia 76ers: All 5 starters included in Sports Illustrated’s Top 100

By Christopher Kline | Sep 13, 2019

Ben Simmons, Tobias Harris | Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Sports Illustrated’s annual Top 100 rankings were heavy on current (and former) members of the Philadelphia 76ers.

With perhaps the most talented starting five in basketball, it’s no surprise the Philadelphia 76ers are featured heavily in Sports Illustrated’s annual Top 100. Rob Mahoney went as far as to include all five starters, and deservedly so.

In descending order, Josh Richardson (71), Tobias Harris (49), Ben Simmons (23), Al Horford (18) and Joel Embiid (7) all make appearances. There’s room for debate on multiple fronts, but on the whole, it’s a strong list. At the top, LeBron James‘ fall to No. 3 is sure to inspire some backlash.

For the Sixers, Richardson’s placement is the most confusing. Mahoney sings his praises, both as a defensive ace and as an offensive complement, but still places Richardson behind the likes of Jaylen Brown, J.J. Redick and Gordon Hayward.

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Mahoney is, of course, projecting the future. It’s not unreasonable to expect Brown, among others, to make a leap. But Richardson was thoroughly better last season and is just 25 years old. Most would contend he’s entering a more suitable role in Philadelphia after his efficiency dropped as Miami’s No. 1 option.

The placement of Redick over Richardson is an interesting one. While I personally value Richardson’s defense, there are Sixers fans who vastly underrate Redick’s importance to the team. His off-ball movement and dynamic shooting provided the basis for a considerable portion of Brett Brown’s offense over the past two seasons. He will be missed.

Slotting Tobias Harris at No. 49 is also questionable. There are valid criticisms of Harris’ defense, but it’s unfair to take his offensive production in Philadelphia at face value. He spent the second half of last season adjusting to a foreign role. He will be optimized far more this season.

Before leaving the Clippers, Harris was a prolific three-level scorer, hitting 3s on high volume and high efficiency. At 6-foot-9, he can initiate pick-and-rolls, glide into pull-up jumpers, and post up smaller defenders inside. He deserves a spot in the top 40.

In my personal rankings, I had Ben Simmons at No. 17 and Al Horford at No. 28 — both deviating slightly from Mahoney’s final spots. Horford is especially difficult for me, and I’m in full support of the reasoning behind Mahoney’s high status for the former Celtic.

Few players can impact winning to the degree Horford can. Even out of position, his basketball I.Q., defensive instincts and unselfish tendencies will shine in Philadelphia. He’s 33, but has a game built to age well. He’s too smart to not positively influence a basketball game.

When it comes to defending Giannis Antetokounmpo or Anthony Davis, Horford is as good as it gets. He understands where to position himself, how to use his hands, and how to disrupt moves in the post. His elite intelligence — on both ends — transcends statistical production.

My reason for dropping him into the high 20s was simple — age. Even with a solid foundation, Horford is bound to slow down over time. But when it matters most, the Sixers should still get consistently strong play from Horford. The argument for Horford as Philadelphia’s second-best player is not an outlandish one.

Next. Top 30 players in franchise history. dark

For a look at my personal top 50, you can click here. For our site’s composite ranking for every member of the 2019-20 Sixers roster, you can click here.