ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith believes that the Philadelphia 76ers will be the team to beat in the Eastern Conference in the 2019-20 NBA season. Smith said on ESPN's Pardon the Interruption that the Sixers will likely win the Eastern Conference title next season.
He pointed out that the other contenders in the Eastern Conference like the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, and the Toronto Raptors will have to make major adjustments next season.
Stephen A. Smith has the 76ers going to The Finals. 👀 #76ers #PTI pic.twitter.com/GUCdi7iuoe
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) July 11, 2019
For the Celtics, Smith said that signing Kemba Walker might not be able to compensate for losing Kyrie Irving and Al Horford in free agency. Irving opted to sign a four-year, $141 million deal with the Brooklyn Nets, while Al Horford decided to move to the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Raptors also lost significant pieces this offseason. Kawhi Leonard, who led the team to its first NBA championship in franchise history, signed with the Los Angeles Clippers. Danny Green, who also played a key role in their title run, inked a contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Bucks, on the other hand, still have reigning Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo on the roster. However, Smith insisted that the Bucks also took a hit in free agency. Nikola Mirotic decided to return to Europe, while Malcolm Brogdon found a new home with the Indiana Pacers.
As for the Sixers, they lost Jimmy Butler and JJ Redick in free agency, but they managed to build a formidable starting roster. They kept Tobias Harris, and added Josh Richardson and Horford into their starting lineup.
Richardson was acquired in the sign-and-trade deal that sent Butler to the Miami Heat.
Follow Us
Subscribe