In 2001, I remember the magical Finals run of the Iverson-led Sixers team that won ten games to start the year. Today, I have that same feeling of optimism with the addition of solid role players and a healthier James Harden.
I have plenty of reasons to bet on the Sixers to make their first trip to the NBA Finals in over two decades, and by default, one of them is the dominance of Joel Embiid. It is no question that he will be the best big man in the NBA this year, so I have no need to make that a major focus in this article. Rather than state the obvious related to Embiid, I have three other reasons to spread positivity.
I will start with one of the most likable hometown athletes who got here not too long ago.
Why the Sixers will reach the NBA Finals: Another Maxey leap
If you thought Tyrese Maxey’s leap last year was remarkable, wait until this season. With another offseason to train and build upon his already impressive skill set, Maxey could be in for another scoring jump. I predict Maxey will average over 20 points per game this season.
Last year, for Maxey to go from 8.0 points per game to 17.5 is astonishing. It’s amazing because second-year players rarely show such a grow spurt. He left Kentucky after his freshman year, and luckily for the Sixers, when he fell to them in the draft in 2020, they selected him as the 21st pick. Just as fortunate, his maturity and unexpected surge catapulted him into a starting role after the Ben Simmons drama. Since, the Sixers’ spark plug guard has surpassed plenty of expectations.
Another impressive stat is his 3-point shooting. Tyrese Maxey went from 30.1 percent to 42.7 percent per game in just one year. His volume was not as high as some would like (4.1), but his accuracy, if maintained, should keep defenses honest, which should help spacing for Joel Embiid.
More importantly, Maxey’s attitude has helped him blossom. As open-minded as every young player should be, he has absorbed lessons from the coaching staff and his teammates. With Doc Rivers’ guidance and Sam Cassell’s instruction, Maxey has gained trust. From James Harden, the third-year guard has developed a bond and confidence to become an integral piece of the Sixers rotation.
I expect Maxey to become the second most important and effective scorer on the Sixers this year. As training camp has started, it appears that Rivers has given Maxey more freedom to expand his scoring role. If Maxey can add another move or two to his already potent offensive game, his speed and fierce competitiveness will drive up the team’s point total and be a fine complement to Joel Embiid’s post game.
Why the Sixers will reach the NBA Finals: Harden the playmaker
James Harden will have a full Sixers training camp and preseason before the team plays their first game versus Boston on opening night. Ideally, this will provide a foundational chemistry that he did not have a chance to build right after the Brooklyn trade. How significant is this?
Roles will be defined more clearly. Plays will be practiced more precisely. Team identity will be developed more firmly. The NBA Top 75 player and future Hall of Famer already corralled his teammates in Los Angeles this summer for team building. As a leader, he’s done what’s needed to be done off the court. Now, he will be able to redeem himself on the court once the Sixers begin the season.
I believe that for the Sixers to make the NBA Finals this year, Harden must average more assists and decrease his shot total. Why? It will get the ball moving more. Others will thrive offensively and gain confidence with the system. It also takes pressure off of him to carry the burden of scoring the way he did in Houston when Embiid sits on the bench.
Last season, Harden averaged 10.5 assists per game. If he dished out 12 or 13 dimes a night, think of how many more shots Joel Embiid and the rest of the team can benefit from in the offense. All of the 3-point shooters that Daryl Morey has brought in to generate space will feast because of Harden’s vision and ability.
The more the the ball is shared, the more involved everyone gets in the grand scheme of things. Spreading the wealth will prevent a stagnant offense and help Harden’s teammates develop rhythm and confidence for when they need it most in the playoffs.
Why the Sixers will reach the NBA Finals: Strong supporting cast
The 76ers had one of the worst benches in the league last season. When a streaky and injury-laden Shake Milton is your sixth man in a playoff series, you can’t have much belief in your title chances. Add to that fact a Georges Niang whose limited mobility and athleticism emerged as a liability versus Miami, the Sixers did not have much of a shot at maintaining any playoff leads or climbing back into a game from a deficit.
Because the Sixers’ front office prioritized acquiring more 3-and-D wings and a backup center who is a solid offensive option, the starters will be able to rest minus the pressure of reclaiming lost leads. This is not to say there won’t be bumps and bruises along the way, but by springtime, those learning lessons for the role players will pay dividends in the playoffs.
Figuring that De’Anthony Melton and Danuel House Jr. come as advertised, the 76ers’ 3-point potency should be stronger while not relinquishing as many points against opposing wing players. Both players have wingspans long enough to bother perimeter shooters and enough speed to recover in space. Now, just imagine if Matisse Thybulle reaches his potential. Talk about a lethal wing rotation.
With the addition of Montrezl Harrell, the Sixers are not in the unfavorable playoff roster predicament that would require Joel Embiid substitutions like Greg Monroe, Boban Marjonovic, DeAndre Jordan, or Paul Millsap. Considering Harrell is still relatively young (28) and has averaged double digit points for his career, this free agent signing will close a huge gap in the rotation that has hindered the Sixers in the past.
Why the Sixers will reach the NBA Finals: Conclusion
The depth of the team and overall talent convinced me that a modest wager is worth the risk. I have bet on the Sixers before during regular season games, but I have never wagered on futures when it comes to this team. I never had that much confidence to be honest. Yet, this year is different. For the reasons I stated, and having Joel Embiid as the ultimate anchor on defense and offense, the Sixers will make it to the NBA Finals this year.
Will they win a championship? I am not willing to go that far. Maybe when they raise the ECF trophy on the floor of the Wells Fargo Center, I can roll over my winnings for a Finals bet. Depending on the western conference matchup, it could be a tough decision.
At the end of the day though, I feel good about our chances to emerge from the east. A $76 bet on the 76ers to win an ECF title in the 76th year of the NBA could personally bring me a limited financial reward. An NBA Finals championship though could bring me, and all of us, an unlimited joy that no amount of money could ever match. It could be the ultimate prize that made “The Process” well worth the gamble.