3. Sixers: Joel Embiid and James Harden
That’s right the Sixers have the third-best duo in the NBA. Let’s consider the fact that they have the most dominant center in the NBA since Shaquille O’Neal and they also have one of the top playmakers in the NBA as well.
The Sixers have a core four in Joel Embiid, James Harden, Tyrese Maxey, and Tobias Harris. That alone should put them as a contender in the East. On top of that, they’ve added depth in the form of P.J. Tucker and Danuel House Jr.
“He’s the first center since Shaq to lead the league in scoring…”
It’s clear that Harden is in a win-now mode with how’s approached his free agency. If he can get his body right this offseason, he can force himself into the conversation as a top-3 point guard in the NBA next season.
Let’s not forgot about Embiid who’s had two MVP awards stolen from him two years in a row now. He’s the first center since Shaq to lead the league in scoring and with the extra motivation of not winning MVP, expect him to come back even more dominant next season.