Training camp is set to begin soon, and The Ringer recently released their latest NBA power rankings. Surprisingly, the Philadelphia 76ers landed at No. 10 on their list –– a disrespectful placement for the team given the ample talent they added this summer. Be that as it may, the media outlet's justification for the team's relatively meager ranking actually makes sense and raises some real concerns that have to be addressed to solidify their footing as title contenders.
According to The Ringer's Michael Pina, while the 76ers have the most talent in the league on paper and that their sky high ceiling cannot be denied, there are a handful of uncertainties with this newly revamped group due to injury risks, their team defense, possible locker room issues, chemistry problems, and external pressure. Some of those are a tad overblown to raise at this juncture, but there is credence to those disclaimers.
The 76ers have some real issues to address as a team this season
The concern about the 76ers possibly getting hit by the injury bug is perhaps the most valid possible issue flagged. After all, Joel Embiid alone carries a huge injury risk every time he hits the floor. He is reportedly in much better shape this offseason, but the superstar has routinely suffered random and unfortunate injuries in recent years.
Aside from Embiid, LeBron James and even Tyrese Maxey have missed a considerable number of games in recent seasons due to some minor inconveniences. Those are definitely worth mentioning, though neither of them have extensive track record of getting sidelined for too long.
Philadelphia's team defense is also another tenable point to raise. The 76ers were not exactly world beaters as a point-preventing unit over the last couple of years, and perimeter defense remains a point of concern. If Embiid and the other big men suffer injuries, their rim protection will also be a vulnerable area.
Concerns about the 76ers possibly having problems in the locker room and in brewing their team chemistry are probably way too premature right now. After all, while it cannot be denied that this group has a slew of newcomers, most of them are not rookies. These are experienced veterans who have ample experience being a part of winning-oriented squads.
In sum, The Ringer placing the 76ers as the No. 10 team in the league before the season remains an uberly stingy and disrespectful proposition. However, one thing they got right is the fact that this group is relatively new, and that comes with some real concerns whose existence cannot be denied with the regular season not having begun yet.
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