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The Philadelphia 76ers will enter the 2019-20 NBA season with a chip on their shoulder. After being bounced out of the playoffs by an incredible circus shot from Kawhi Leonard, the 76ers had to watch as the Raptors beat a hobbled Warriors team in the NBA Finals. For 76ers fans, that should have been them. This offseason, the team has retooled, gathered themselves and are ready to make a run as THE elite team in the NBA.
The travel will be tough as teams not only in the Western Conference but the East as well has managed to upgrade rosters. Will the 76ers start the season flat or will they come out the gate hot? For a team with possibly the best starting unit, the 76ers will play this year with a bulls-eye on their backs.
Here are 5 bold predictions for the Philadelphia 76ers in 2019
Ben Simmons Averages A Triple-Double
The time has come for Ben Simmons to take that next step to stardom. For three years, he's toyed with the possibility of pulling a Russell Westbrook and average a triple-double for the season. Last season, Simmons finished with averages of 16.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 7.7 assists, so, why this year? The 2019 76ers and Simmons are different.
For starters, it appears that Simmons has developed a perimeter game. If he chooses to use that, it will open up opportunities for him and his teammates. With Al Horford at the 4 and Joel Embiid in the paint, Simmons will have fun choosing their sweet spots. No more Jimmy Butler but Tobias Harris and Josh Richardson are capable spot-up shooters and slashers. This offense will be fun to watch.
76ers Will Be Top 5 Offense
The Golden State Warriors from the last three seasons are no more. The Brooklyn Nets and Houston Rockets will put up points but can any team match the 76ers? Am I going out on a limb here? No. Last season, they ranked 4th in points scored. This was with Butler playing half the season and Embiid missing games. Now, if Simmons has indeed found a jump shot and Horford can continue to contribute, who will place money against them? Back in 2014, this is how the Warriors began their dynasty. A top 5 defense and offense.
Brett Brown has taken criticism for his offensive scheme but finishing as a top offense the last two seasons with limited weapons speaks volumes. The 76ers are too strong in the paint with Horford (13.6 points), Embiid (27.5), and Harris (18.2). In the backcourt, the 76ers are solid with the potential to be great with Simmons (16.9) and Richardson (16.6). If Richardson and Harris can knock down their three-point attempts consistently, no one will rank higher than Philadelphia in terms of offense.
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76ers Win Atlantic Division
The Atlantic Division sent four teams to the playoffs last season. No other division in the NBA was that well represented. There's no reason to believe that it won't happen again. Despite their PG change, the Boston Celtics will be there. Despite losing Kawhi Leonard, the Toronto Raptors still have a veteran core. The Brooklyn Nets are scary good and will make a second straight trip. The New York Knicks will be the only setback for the division.
As for the 76ers, it's all about chemistry and experience. They will arguably place the best starting five in the NBA on the floor and while teams in the division have made upgrades, so have the 76ers. Will they lose to division teams? Yes. But there is no way, barring a major injury they won't raise an Atlantic Division banner in 2020.
76ers Will Be The Best Defense In NBA
The talk of the offseason has been focused on how great a defensive team the Los Angeles Clippers will be with Patrick Beverley, Kawhi Leonard, and Paul George. While they will surely give opponents fits on the end of the floor, why haven't the 76ers garnered the same respect? Is it because they finished last season ranked 19th in points allowed?
This is a new year and the team has new personal. Jimmy Butler was a great defensive player for the 76ers. However, he was replaced by a younger and more athletic Josh Richardson. Simmons is great at the point of attack and Tobias Harris slides into his natural SF position. But the key to their defensive success will be in the paint with Al Horford and Joel Embiid. No team, not even the Clippers can throw five players willing to sacrifice their body and stats to be named the best in the NBA.
76ers Will Win The 2020 Championship
The Philadelphia 76ers will have a tough road as they are one of the favorites to with the title this season. While the Milwaukee Bucks and Brooklyn Nets will have a say coming out the East, it's the Western Conference that poses the real challenge. Can the 76ers put it all on the line with such a young team?
No matter their competition in the Finals, the 76ers were built for this moment. The Warriors won't be there. It's the Lakers, Clippers, and Rockets they will face. While each team mentioned poses a threat, the 76ers are just too strong in their starting unit to be beat in a seven-game series. Neither team in the West has a center who can stop Embiid. Westbrook is good but if Simmons can hit from the perimeter, no PG in the West can handle him. If the can cut down on the silly turnovers, there will be a parade on Broad Street come June.
