Sixers mailbag: What’s next after James Harden trade?

Sixers mailbag: Where does Philadelphia rank in the East?

The James Harden trade brought about a significant power surge in the Eastern Conference. Instead of possible favorites, the Brooklyn Nets are now heavy favorites, with three of this generation’s most gifted scorers surrounded by an impressive array of complementary talent. Brooklyn is the absolute No. 1 in the conference.

While it is more than fair to doubt Milwaukee’s playoff ceiling at this point, the Bucks deserve some benefit of the doubt. Giannis Antetokounmpo is still the best player in basketball at his peak, and the addition of Jrue Holiday — while not a cure-all — does give Milwaukee more room for error in the playoffs. The Bucks are a pretty solid No. 2.

After that, you’re throwing darts blindfolded. The Sixers have made a compelling case for the No. 3 slot, especially with Embiid’s MVP-caliber performance so far, but Boston, Indiana, and Miami have also made strong arguments at different points. The only real surprise has been Toronto’s fall from grace, leaving them firmly on the outside looking in.

Here’s my rough list at the top.

• (1) Brooklyn Nets (7-6)
• (2) Milwaukee Bucks (9-4)
• (3) Philadelphia 76ers (9-4)
• (4) Boston Celtics (8-3)
• (5) Miami Heat (4-6)
• (6) Indiana Pacers (8-4)

Let this serve as a power ranking with an eye towards the postseason.

After the fifth spot, it gets murky. Record-wise, we have Orlando (6-6), Cleveland (6-7), Charlotte (6-7), and Atlanta (5-6) in short succession. None of those teams are particularly inspiring. Orlando is missing multiple key players, Cleveland and Charlotte are young, and Atlanta has struggled to find a rhythm despite its strong talent base. Then, you have the Raptors, who many expected to make the postseason, trailing behind at 3-8.

Toronto has played under extraordinary circumstances this season, not only adjusting to the pandemic, but relocating outside their home market and basing operations out of Tampa Bay. The Raptors are essentially playing 72 games on the road, which is difficult to overcome. Even in fan-less arenas.

That said, I do expect the Raptors to round into form at some point. There’s too much experience and skill on that roster not to. Toronto is a winning team with a winning culture, and despite the memes, Pascal Siakam is a compelling star. I am willing to bet on Toronto find its groove at some point.

• (7) Toronto Raptors (3-8)
• (8) Charlotte Hornets (6-7)
• (9) Orlando Magic (6-6)
• (10) Atlanta Hawks (5-6)

I am buying all the LaMelo Ball stock. Thank you, and goodnight.