The Philadelphia 76ers have gone through years of having to Trust the Process. The Process began after the 2013-2014 season after the team failed the make the playoffs, having made it to the 2nd round the year before. Something had to give for the team to evolve and develop into a real contender rather than sitting in the middle of the NBA standings.
It happened on draft night, when the team traded young All-Star Jrue Holiday to the New Orleans Pelicans for new draft pick Nerlens Noel. This was before #TrustTheProcess became a way of life, this was a mere quick move to get bigger in order to rebuild through the draft. Philadelphia fans had no idea that this was the start of a 4 year project that would be followed by seasons of 19, 18, 10, and 28 wins (total of 75 wins over 4 years. One of those years had Golden State win 73 games, just saying…)
The 76ers were looking really bleak and fans were fed up. Until the 2016-2017 season, when the team’s outlook went 100% brighter. Joel Embiid was finally healthy enough to play after being drafted in 2014 and having to sit two full seasons. This was two full seasons of being in an NBA team’s culture and facilities with access to nutritionists, trainers, and coaches.
Embiid came into the league with a bang, as he recorded 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks in his first regular season game against Oklahoma City. Things looked up as the team finally had a player they could stand behind, a superstar of sorts. Quickly, Embiid was labeled the next Hakeem Olajuwon with amazing post moves, defense, and the agility of a guard. Combined with fellow rookie Dario Saric (who is often forgotten in the discussion), Embiid led the team to 28 wins. All they needed was a point guard to put everything together.
Enter Ben Simmons, who also sat his rookie season due to a fracture of the fifth metatarsal bone of his right foot. Similar to Embiid, Simmons hung around the team, taking in game notes, receiving the full NBA experience without having to step foot on the court. Simmons (who stands at 6’10 and 230lbs), has the body and mind of a savvy veteran. He already has 10 triple doubles this year, and provides a match up nightmare against any opposing guards.
The tandem of Embiid and Simmons has helped Philadelphia clinch a playoff spot for the first time in 6 years, and they have the best record the franchise has seen since the 2004-2005 season. The question now is how far the 76ers can go in the playoffs. They’re already over-achieving by exceeding a .500 record, and are in contention for home-court in the playoffs. They’ve got a top 10 defensive and offensive rating and show no signs of slowing down. Embiid and Simmons have stayed relatively healthy all season, while role players like Robert Covington, J.J. Redick, and Dario Saric continue to fulfill their responsibilities (although RoCo is going through a cold streak).
Depending on the match up, Philadelphia certainly has a chance of moving forward to the 2nd round. If the standings go chalk as of today, they would match up with Indiana, who play an incredible brand of team basketball. Both Simmons and Embiid provide as mis-matches against almost all opponents in the East as Embiid is agile and has a variety of post moves (however, Myles Turner is a hell of a defender), and Simmons can bully ball his way straight to the net with little obstacle.
Philadelphia has a real opportunity on their hands this year and in years going forward, as they’ll have a ton of cap room this summer to a top-tier free agent to combine with their two young stars. Let’s just make sure these guys take the time to practice with each other.
[Images via Power Home Remodeling.]
Last Update (March 29, 2018):
Joel Embiid recently suffered an orbital fracture due to an incidental collision with collision with Markelle Fultz. He is scheduled to be back on the floor in 2 to 4 weeks, which would have him returning in the first round of the playoffs (at the absolute earliest). Hopefully Philadelphia will be able to maintain some of their play with Embiid sidelined, as the All-Star been the most pivotal player on the team.
