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The Philadelphia 76ers are at the bottom of the Eastern Conference once again. With a 18-31 record the Sixers are destined for the lottery again. However, there is a different feeling around Sixers nation. It’s a feeling that hasn't been felt since the days of Allen Iverson. It’s a feeling of hope, promise, and excitement. Let’s dig a little further.
The Sixers are much better than last year
The Sixers are still at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, but they are doing better than the Brooklyn Nets, so it’s always good to know they are not the worst. 18-31 is a bad record, but the Sixers already have a better record than they did the entire 2015-2016 season (10 wins) and are one game behind their 2014-15 season (18 wins). People are beginning to believe in the process and many believe that the Sixers have a great future. But it’s mostly been because of this man.
Joel Embiid and young talent have given fans hope
Many people have wondered whether Embiid would ever play, but he has and has been stellar this season. Joel Embiid is averaging 20.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game in only 25.4 minutes per game, according to ESPN.com. He has given the Sixers a lot of hope for the future and has been the reason that the Sixers have won many games. Add that to the fact that Ben Simmons has yet to play and Sixers fan have a lot to be excited about. Embiid is an electric player and has all but locked up the Rookie of the Year award. Now imagine what he could do next to a great playmaker like Ben Simmons.
As impressive as Embiid has been, Dario Saric has been impressive as well. He is only averaging 9.7 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, but the energy he gives the Sixers cannot be determined by numbers. Saric and Embiid are having great rookie seasons that are making players like TJ McConnell and Robert Covington play better.
Sixers have a lottery pick
With the Sixers most likely not making the playoffs and also having the Lakers pick (outside of top 5), the Sixers are destined to add another piece of young talent to the mix of great players they have already. The 2017 NBA Draft looks like it will be a good one and Sixers fans are excited about adding another player to a team that is filled with great young talent.
With the Sixers improving, Joel Embiid playing well, the idea of Ben Simmons playing with Embiid, and the Sixers having a chance to get more talent, it feels absolutely great to be a Sixers fan. The team will only get better and we are finally beginning to see signs of that. Sixers fans have a lot to be excited about as they will be a great team in the near future.