Sixers Experiencing Uncommon Stretch of Positivity

By Sean Kennedy (@PhillyFastBreak)

I don’t know about you, but I’m finding this to be a strange time as a Sixers fan. Simply put, there’s far more good things going on with the franchise than I’m used to experiencing, and I’m going into a bit of an overload.

Obviously, we experienced the big news during Thursday night’s draft lottery, with the Sixers claiming their first overall pick since 1996 and the selection of Allen Iverson. I’m pretty sure, if nothing else, that means we’re in store for another iconic line of shoes.

Reebok is releasing shoes inspired by Allen Iverson's infamous 'practice' rant. (h/t @SLAMonline) pic.twitter.com/E6Z6P9lhUR

— NBC Sports Bet (@NBCSportsBet) May 6, 2016

Whether it’s Ben Simmons or Brandon Ingram, we’re about six weeks away from seeing him in a Sixers jersey in the Utah Summer League. Fittingly, the first game of this new era will take place on July 4th, as the start of this new era of Philadelphia basketball will surely feel like a holiday in and of itself.

Then, in addition to being the on-dais representative for the team at the lottery, Brett Brown is likely receiving some added job security with what is brewing down in Houston.

NBA coaching sources say all signs continue to point to the Rockets hiring leading candidate Mike D'Antoni as their coach in the near future

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) May 19, 2016

While it’s not exactly a good thing to lose an offensive mind of D’Antoni’s caliber from the staff, I’ve maintained all along it will be best to remove the specter of Bryan Colangelo pulling the plug on Brett Brown and inserting his former coach in Phoenix into the hot seat. Brown has been the consummate good soldier in every facet of his job these past three years and deserves a shot to test his mettle with an actual roster without looking over his shoulder.

Finally, despite the Sixers being a “disgrace to the league” last season, voters still saw fit to recognize a couple of the team’s rookies for their efforts.

Kristaps Porzingis, Karl-Anthony Towns headline NBA's All-Rookie Team. Full voting: pic.twitter.com/NkHAX75yRd

— The Crossover (@TheCrossover) May 19, 2016

Although he played in just 53 games due to injuries, Jahlil Okafor still received a 1st-Team All-Rookie nod after a first season that saw him average 17.5 points on 50.8% shooting and 7.0 rebounds per game. As much as many of us bemoan his defensive shortcomings, it was still incredibly impressive what Okafor was able to do as a 20-year-old in his first NBA season. The honor will either be a nice steppingstone for Jah to build on going forward with the Sixers, or something to help boost his value in case there’s any credence to the Okafor-for-Boston’s #3 overall pick rumors.

On a more minor note, but arguably a more pleasant surprise, T.J. McConnell actually received a pair of first-place votes. It’s been quite the journey for T.J., going from someone who everyone assumed was Summer League roster fodder, to a guy who looks the part of a legitimate back-up NBA point guard. McConnell finished second among rookies (behind Mudiay) with 4.5 assists per game, despite playing under 20 minutes per contest. He also gained more confidence in his shot as the season went along, finishing the year shooting 47.0% from the field and a respectable 34.8% from three.

Basically, it’s hard to wrap my head around all the positive feelings surrounding the Sixers franchise right now. I didn’t even go into the reports that Joel Embiid is getting closer to actual on-court action, which would be the biggest news of all. The battered Philadelphia sports fan in me keeps waiting for the other shoe to drop and all of this to come crumbling down. Hopefully, that never happens.