The Sixer Sense
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2019-20 NBA Power Rankings: Philadelphia 76ers stumble, get back up

By Christopher Kline

Josh Richardson, Tobias Harris, Joel Embiid, Al Horford, Ben Simmons | Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)
Josh Richardson, Tobias Harris, Joel Embiid, Al Horford, Ben Simmons | Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

12. team. 79. . 8-5. Previous: . Dallas Mavericks

Luka Doncic is in the MVP race, full stop. It might not last — it’s early, and the Mavs’ roster isn’t brimming with talent — but the 20-year-old has taken a clear leap in year two. In addition to his efficiency as a scorer, Doncic is dropping dimes and grabbing rebounds at Russell Westbrook rates.

Imagine if Kristaps Porzingis, who has been misused and ineffective for much of the season, figures it out.

11. team. 66. . 7-5. Previous: . Phoenix Suns

The Suns are … good? Like, actually good? Aron Baynes has been a revelation, keeping Phoenix afloat amid Deandre Ayton‘s 25-game suspension. Devin Booker has taken clear steps as both a scorer and a playmaker, while Ricky Rubio‘s facilitating presence has greatly aided the Suns backcourt.

93. . 8-5. Previous: . Philadelphia 76ers. 10. team

The Sixers started the season 5-0 and sat atop most power rankings. Since then, the Sixers have gone 3-5, with a few bad losses interspersed. The offense is very much a work in progress — Tobias Harris and Ben Simmons are working through slumps, and the spacing is a constant battle.

In the end, it might behoove Philadelphia to add more dynamism via trades. They’re somewhat limited when it comes to trade-able salary, but it should be on the table. With an elite defense and plenty of chemistry to gain, the Sixers should be just fine.