Power rankings survey: How Sixers stack up after one month

The Sixers have the best record in the Eastern Conference. Where do they fall in the power rankings?

The new-look Sixers, led by Daryl Morey in the front office and Doc Rivers on the sidelines, have jumped out to a fast start this season. Joel Embiid looks like the MVP, while Tobias Harris could earn his first All-Star berth. All signs are pointing up.

At 15-6, Philadelphia currently holds the top spot in the Eastern Conference, with a cushy 2.5-game advantage over second-place Milwaukee. While a lot can change between now and season’s end, the Sixers look the part of a genuine contender.

Naturally, such success has led to a surge in recent power rankings. Philadelphia is vying for the best record in the NBA, and several power rankings from around the internet reflect that. Here’s where notable outlets rank the Sixers.

Sixers power ranking, Bleacher Report: 1st

"“Look for Philadelphia to incorporate [zone defense] a little more often with Simmons and Matisse Thybulle on top of the 2-3 zone.” — Mo Dakhil"

Sixers power ranking, Sports Illustrated: 3rd

"“This version of [Tobias] Harris appearing in the spring could send the Sixers to their first Finals since 2001.” — Michael Shapiro"

Sixers power ranking, CBS Sports: 2nd

"“The Sixers shook off a loss to the Pistons without Joel Embiid to rattle off three straight wins to close out the week, including a strong performance to hand the Lakers their first road loss, capped off by a Tobias Harris game-winner. Nearly as impressive was a road win over the Pacers on Sunday with Embiid out of the lineup once again.” — Colin Ward-Henninger"

Sixers power ranking, ESPN: 3rd

"“There’s no team that has been as consistently solid as Philadelphia in the East this campaign.” — Tim Bontemps"

Sixers power ranking, NBA.com: 2nd

"“The Sixers remain undefeated (11-0) when they’ve had both Seth Curry and Joel Embiid. And apparently, the formula for winning without Embiid includes playing zone defense…” — John Schuhmann"

Sixers power ranking, Complex: 3rd

"“In some people’s book that means the Sixers should reside ahead of the Lakers in the rankings. I ain’t one of those guys because while I’m loving what I’m seeing out of Embiid, a top 3 MVP candidate right now, only lunatic Philly fans would pick the Sixers in a seven-game series over the Lakers.” — Adam Caparell"

Overall, every major outlet seems to agree: the Philadelphia 76ers are a top-three team in the NBA. While that number may fluctuate with the natural ebbs and flows of the NBA season, it is abundantly clear Philadelphia has earned the respect of pundits league-wide — even if they aren’t presently considered title favorites.

The Sixers have a lot to improve upon before the stretch run. There are still valid doubts about Philadelphia’s ability to execute late in games, while a more consistent offensive output from Ben Simmons soothe many worried souls. We can also expect tweaks to the roster before the trade deadline, with Daryl Morey dubbing this season “championship or bust.”

Count me among the many who doubt Philadelphia’s ability to overcome Milwaukee or Brooklyn in a seven-game series. That said, Embiid is playing MVP basketball, and the steady growth of Harris and Simmons should make the Sixers a real threat. Before the season, most considered Philadelphia a non-factor in the championship hunt. That narrative has changed quickly.