The 76ers continue to build for the future, which means another season at the bottom of the standings is in store.
Last season’s record: 18-64
Key additions:
- Jahlil Okafor
- Nik Stauskas
- Carl Landry
- Kendall Marshall
Key Departures:
- Jason Richardson
- Thomas Robinson
2015-16 Outlook:
Measuring success with the Philadelphia 76ers depends on how one defines it. If it’s wins, then this won’t be a successful season, but if its the continued development of young pieces, and the acquisition of various assets, then this season should turn out all right for the most part. The Sixers still have no intention of competing for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, and given how little it takes to be apart of that race (just ask Boston), the Sixers’ front office made sure to keep their roster bad enough to stay near the bottom of the standings.
While Philadelphia stayed mostly out of free agency this summer, they did make one trade that should bolster their roster, acquiring Carly Landry and Nik Stauskas (along with draft picks, somehow) from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for the draft rights to international players. Stauskas and Landry should be solid pieces for the Sixers this year, and more importantly, give the team a bit of depth, something they haven’t had in years.
Stauskas had rocky first season, but expectations will be low, and a new role in Philadelphia should provide the opportunity for him to showcase his shooting abilities. Landry, who is currently out five to six weeks with a wrist injury, should help with the second unit once back.
The focus for the Sixers however, are it’s two (healthy) big men, Nerlens Noel and Jahlil Okafor. Noel had a strong rookie season, increasing his numbers month to month, and could solidify himself as the best player on the roster if he continues to build off of last seaosn. Okafor should see plenty of action as well, but considering the learning curve many rookie big man go through in their first season, there will likely be growing pains as Okafor adjusts to the speed of the NBA.
A lot of competition exists at the point guard spot. Tony Wroten was scoring in bunches before he tore his ACL last January, and it’s still unclear when he will return to the lineup. That leaves an open competition between Pierre Jackson, who is now healthy after sitting out last season with a rupture achilles, and free agent Kendall Marshall, who also tore his ACL last season. Jackson lit up the D-League the year before signing with Philadelphia, averaging 29.1 points per game in 31 games. Marshall’s strengths are his passing and defensive abilities, which makes the decision as to who start intriguing. Very likely, the starter will depend on which player fits better with the rest of the starting lineup.
A major concern remains a lack of wing options. Stauskas gives them a former lottery pick to compliment with last season’s surprise Robert Covington, but Stuaskas is still largely unproven, and Covington would probably work better as rotation player rather than a starter. Beyond those two, Philadelphia’s wing options include Hollis Thompson, Jerami Grant, J.P. Tokoto, and a mix of borderline NBA players. With the influx of talent at the point guard position, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a lot of two guard lineups, with Stauskas playing some small forward.
The biggest concern, both short and long term, is Joel Embiid’s health. Embiid will miss another season due to injury, which leaves many wondering whether he will ever get a chance to showcase his potential abilities. Embiid is viewed by many as the most important prospect on the Sixers’ roster, so as long as his health remains a concern, so to will the Sixers’ rebuilding project.
Projected Record: 21-61
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
