.png){kind=small}
Hoops Hype
With the past decade coming to a close, what better way to ring in the new decade by reflecting on the past. Off The Glass is taking a look at each NBA team and selecting their All-Decade squad, which is defined by one guard, one forward, one center, a role player (someone not selected as an All-Star, or to an All-NBA team), and one wildcard.
Today we are highlighting the Philadelphia 76ers.
Guard: Ben Simmons
This was a tough one, however, I have just given Simmons the nod over Jrue Holiday. Both players had 1 All-Star appearance (Simmons 19’, Holiday 13’) yet Simmons has the edge with his Rookie of the Year award. Simmons first season in the league resulted in the 76ers jumping from a 28-54 record to a 3rd seed in the East with a 52-30 record. His sophomore year he then took his game to another level and was rewarded with his first All-Star berth. Simmons has been hugely influential in helping the 76ers becoming an elite team once again.
(Honourable Mentions: Jrue Holiday, Lou Williams)
Forward: Andre Iguodala
Although Iguodala only played 2 seasons for the 76ers this decade, what he achieved in these 2 seasons cannot be understated. 2012 All-Star, 2011 All-Defense 2nd team and winning a gold medal for Team USA whilst still being a member of the 76ers. Iggy led the 76ers to their first playoff series win since 2003 and because of that, he has left a lasting impression in Philadelphia history.
(Honourable Mentions: Thaddeus Young, Robert Covington)
Center: Joel Embiid
Easy decision here, Embiid was clearly the 76ers best center of this decade and is currently one of the best centers in the league. 2-time All-Star, 2-time All-NBA second team, 2-time All-Defensive second team tells you everything you need to know. Nicknamed “The Process”, he truly completed the process of the 76ers long rebuild and brought the franchise back to the playoffs after a 6-year hiatus.
Role Player: Jrue Holiday
The player most unlucky to miss out on a best player spot of the decade must be the role player of the decade. Holiday was an integral part of the 76ers two playoff berths early in the decade and was also rewarded with an All-Star gig in 2013. Averages of 15 points, 6.3 assists and 1.6 steals per game over three seasons are impressive stats and sixer fans still hold him in very high regard.
Wildcard: Sam Hinkie – “Trust the Process”
Hinkie spent 4 seasons as general manager and boy did he make some headlines. Hinkie’s plan was to trade away veterans for draft picks, this resulted in the 76ers being accused of tanking on numerous occasions during his tenure. Several key members of the 76ers roster such as Joel Embiid, Dario Saric, Robert Covington, Jahlil Okafor, Nerlens Noel and Jerami Grant were drafted by Hinkie. Due to this drafting, the 76ers returned to prominence in the NBA and ‘The Process’ was vindicated.
Team High: Playoff series win vs. Miami – 2018
Coming off a 16-game win streak to finish off the regular season, confidence was high heading into the playoffs. A 4-1 series win finally brought some success back to Philadelphia. ‘The Process’ was finally paying off and their first playoff series win since 2012 was the proof.
Team Low: 10-72 season 2016-17
Not much is needed to be said here. When you compile the third-worst record in the history of the NBA there is no doubt that this is the team low of the decade.
Upcoming Decade Prediction: Titles
This squad is destined for greatness and anything other than a championship this decade would be considered a disappointment. With superstars Embiid, Simmons and Harris all hitting the primes of their careers, the next few years are an exciting time for sixer fans.