Power ranking the Atlantic Division: Philadelphia 76ers
Having Joel Embiid on the roster will automatically make the Philadelphia 76ers a top-six team in the Eastern Conference. That being written, until the Ben Simmons situation is resolved by him returning or by trading him, they won’t be a contender in the East.
There’s no denying that Embiid is an MVP candidate and the overall supporting cast has legit talent, the issue is of course the Simmons situation. Despite his flaws and the not-perfect fit with Embiid, the duo did lead the 76ers to the top seed in the East last season. That type of talent isn’t easily replaced.
Until Simmons gets traded for some player(s) of value, Embiid doesn’t have too many veterans to rely on. Tobias Harris was a borderline All-Star last season and Seth Curry is a journeyman who got hot in this past postseason. That’s not including the aging Danny Green who is bound to regress at some point and backup center Andre Drummond.
Outside of those four, the team is relatively young and unproven. Both Shake Milton and Tyrese Maxey are 25 and 20-years-old respectively at the point guard position. Matisse Thybulle is entering his third season and Isaiah Joe is entering his second season. Embiid has the ability to carry this team, but he has to stay healthy or this year will go south fast.