How the 76ers stack up with the rest of the Eastern Conference

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Joel Embiid, James Harden, Tyrese Maxey, 76ers (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Tier 2

Philadelphia 76ers

An equally noisy and quiet off-season for the Sixers has the team facing plenty of question as they head toward the regular season. Will James Harden be on the floor when the Sixers tip the season off in Milwaukee? If James Harden is not a Sixer, what will the trade return be? Will Nick Nurse help to unlocked previously untapped potential for the Sixers? Though there are questions, there are some consistent pieces that will allow the 76ers to compete in the East. Among those consistencies, is reigning NBA MVP, Joel Embiid. Joel Embiid has his sights set on winning, and as long as he is on the floor for this team they will compete at a high level and push for close to 50 wins.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland has a terrific backcourt duo in Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell. Young big man, Evan Mobley looks to make another jump in production in year 3, improving upon his 16 points and 9 rebounds per game last season. Notable off-season acquisitions include Max Strus, Ty Jerome, and former 76er, Georges Niang.

Miami Heat

While acquiring Damian Lillard would’ve landed the Miami Heat as a Tier 1 team, they settle as a part of the next group in the Eastern Conference as they were unable to land the superstar guard. Saying farewell to the likes of Gabe Vincent, Max Strus, and Victor Oladipo has caused some concern regarding Miami’s depth. However, as long as Jimmy Butler remains on the roster you cannot count this team out come playoff time. The Miami Heat reached the NBA Finals last season after having to advance from the play-in tournament just to reach the playoffs. Former 76er, Josh Richardson is back as a member of the Miami Heat after 4 years away from the team. Miami also returns two 20-point per game scorers from a season ago with the Kentucky products, Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro.

New York Knicks

The New York Knicks had a relatively quiet off-season. Most of their rotation will remain the same heading into the 2023-24 NBA season. The 47-35 club from a year ago has their sights set on making noise in the playoffs again, and have a high-ceiling of reaching the Conference Finals. New York fell to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals last season.