The 76ers never really got a chance to make a run for the Eastern Conference title last season, and this was due to the fact that they lost Ben Simmons even before the playoffs started. Their postseason run ultimately ended in disaster, as they suffered a humiliating first-round sweep at the hands of the Boston Celtics.
Assuming the Sixers remain healthy for the most part of the 2020-21 campaign, they should still be a legitimate threat in the East. The big question, however, is if they have what it takes to go all the way this coming season.
The key factor that we need to consider here is the arrival of Doc Rivers. He's undeniably stepping into a high-pressure situation, with the expectations so high on this underperforming Sixers squad. However, if there's anyone who can turn things around for this team, then it's a guy like Rivers. It would not be surprising if Rivers is able to bring out the best in both Simmons and Joel Embiid. After all, he's done something similar in the past with the title-winning 2008 Boston Celtics.
The Milwaukee Bucks, the Brooklyn Nets, and the Miami Heat are always going to be the favorites, but with a bit of luck, Philadelphia could prove to be the surprise package of the 2020-21 campaign.