2016-17 NBA Season Preview: Philadelphia 76ers
Welcome to theScore's 2016-17 NBA preview, where you'll find comprehensive coverage of all 30 teams and storylines to watch this season.
Philadelphia 76ers
2015-16
| Record | Atlantic | East | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-72 | 5th | 15th | N/A |
Offseason Roundup
| Additions | Departures |
|---|---|
| Jerryd Bayless (3/$27M) | Isaiah Canaan (Bulls) |
| Gerald Henderson (2/$18M) | Ish Smith (Pistons) |
| Sergio Rodriguez (1/$8M) | Christian Wood (Hornets) |
| Dario Saric (undisclosed) | Kendall Marshall (Jazz-waived) |
| Ben Simmons (Draft) | |
| Timothe Luwawu (Draft) | |
| Furkan Korkmaz (Draft) |
- Re-signed Elton Brand (1-year contract)
- Exercised team option on Hollis Thompson ($1M)
Projected Starting 5
- PG Jerryd Bayless
- SG Gerald Henderson
- SF Ben Simmons
- PF Jahlil Okafor
- C Nerlens Noel
Related: Is the Sixers' epic rebuild finally ready to bear fruit?
Player to watch: Ben Simmons
Trusting "the process" ultimately cost former general manager Sam Hinkie his job, but with his final legacy-defining gift to the franchise, the 76ers were able to secure the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft, selecting highly touted Aussie forward Ben Simmons.
The 20-year-old LSU product doesn't come without his glaring flaws, and the early comparisons to the great LeBron James won't be doing him any favors. However, the potential is there for Simmons to be the league's next big thing, and considering Philadelphia's recent draft history, having someone that talented with a sky-high ceiling will help put eyes on an organization that has been an afterthought for far too long.
A 6-10 wing with tremendous playmaking ability, head coach Brett Brown could have Simmons run the point on occasion and exploit his size at a position usually reserved for the small and quick. Regardless of his role, Simmons will make the Sixers more of a joy to watch, and should be the heavy favorite to take home Rookie of the Year honors.
Season Expectations
Rome wasn't built in a day, and the 76ers won't become a playoff team overnight.
There's light at the end of the tunnel now, though, and a number of reasons to be optimistic about the direction Philly is headed. Joel Embiid appears to be healthy after sitting the first two years of his career with a foot injury, Dario Saric is finally a member of the roster, and veterans like Sergio Rodriguez, Jerryd Bayless, and Gerald Henderson are in the mix to help guide the faces of tomorrow.
Having two proven basketball minds calling the shots in father-and-son combo Jerry and Bryan Colangelo also means the on-court product is backed by a strong support system up top. They'll need time to right the ship, but their track record should inspire some confidence, unlike the previous regime.
It's been three years since the 76ers won over 20 games in a season but that streak of ineptitude should end in 2016-17. There won't be a giant uptick in victories, but it's a start.