The Sixer Sense
Fansided

The Philadelphia 76ers can win the East. Here’s why

By Sheldon Washington

Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid | Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid | Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

It’s too early to write off the Philadelphia 76ers completely.

You are not reading the title wrongly. Yes: The Philadelphia 76ers can win the Eastern Conference. Yes, I know Miami was in the Finals. Yes, Brooklyn has Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving healthy. Yes, Boston is fully loaded and Jayson Tatum is the newest star in the league. Yes, the East is better than it’s been in the last decade plus (if you don’t believe me, you haven’t been watching). Yes, LeBron is still the NBA’s equivalent to Thanos, searching for championships like Infinity Stones. Yes, we don’t know when the 2020-21 season will start.

However, one thing that us basketball lifers have come to know is, seasons vary year to year. Anything can happen. Unless you are a Hawks fan. Or a Kings fan. Or a Hornets fan. If you are, disregard everything that I’ve just said. Larry O’ Brian does not know you, nor wants to speak with you.

Just kidding…Sort of…

Anyway, The Sixers have the talent to win the East. Permitting that Doc Rivers can exorcise his 3-1 demons, this team, with a few upgrades at key positions, can win right now. Let’s get to three reasons why the Sixers can win the Eastern Conference:

1.    Ben Simmons makes THE leap

Ben is special. I cannot state this enough. 6-foot-10 with point guard skills, one of the fastest guys in the league in the open court, amazing vision, a lockdown defender already going into his fourth season, the sky is just the beginning for Simmons. However, I can’t help but notice the stagnant numbers for Ben. His career numbers of 16.4 points, 8.3 assists, and 8.0 rebounds a game are solid, but it’s time for him to make the leap. And I mean THE LEAP.

There is no reason why Simmons cannot average 23-25 points per game. He has that level of skill. Ben has to believe that he can dominate more than what he has shown. The fate of the Philadelphia 76ers ultimately will be in his hands.