The only reason last season wasn't a complete wash for the Philadelphia Sixers was that they lucked out in the draft lottery, landing the No. 3 pick. Paul George looked like he aged 10 years over one offseason, Joel Embiid couldn't stay on the court, and Tyrese Maxey was asked to do far more than he should've been. Not making the play-in tournament was disappointing, but hey, at least it led them to V.J. Edgecombe.
Philadelphia currently has the 14th-worst record in the NBA, sitting just within lottery range. That's a good thing, right? Well, it would be if the Sixers didn't owe their first-round pick this year to the Thunder.
So, not only are the Sixers slipping down the conference standings (they're No. 9) and the injuries are mounting, but fans can't even find some hope in the draft. Instead, the rich (OKC) will get richer.
Essentially, when all is said and done, Philadelphia will have given OKC two promising young players this year. Yes, that includes the beloved Jared McCain, who is yet another bench threat for an already stacked squad. Thanks again for that, Daryl.
Sixers can't even hope to get lucky at the draft lottery again
Competing in the play-in tournament during what was supposed to be the season for Philadelphia to flip the script (you've heard that before) would be a failure in itself. If you're thinking, well, at least the Sixers will make it to the play-in this season, that doesn't hold as much weight as you think. Aside from the Bucks (who are unintentionally tanking), there is a race to the bottom.
There's not a whole lot of reason to believe Philly will make it past the play-in, as Tyrese Maxey may not play another game this year. He'll be re-evaluated in three weeks (right at the very end of March) as he recovers from the tendon injury in his right pinkie finger, but that doesn't mean he'll be cleared to play then.
Embiid may or may not play again this season, and they still don't have a suitable backup for him. George will be back at the end of the month after serving his 25-game suspension, but who knows what the Sixers will look like then. Kelly Oubre Jr. will be out for at least two weeks.
What little light is left at the end of the tunnel for Philadelphia is fading fast. There is nothing to look forward to. Hopefully, you didn't think last season that it couldn't get worse, because how this season is playing out proves otherwise.