Philadelphia 76ers Roster 2019 76ers Roster

Top Philadelphia 76ers Roster Questions 2019

For years, we trusted "The Process," and it finally paid its dividends last year. The Philadelphia 76ers arrived perhaps a season early, but you get the sense that last season was just the tip of the iceberg. The Eastern Conference is now wide-open at the top now that Lebron has taken his talents to the West Coast. There is a prime opening for the 76ers to assert themselves in the race. Now that Joel Embiid has shown that he can stay healthy, it is time to sit back and enjoy the fruits of Sam Hinkie's labor. It is hard to see many weaknesses with this team. If their young core continues to take the next steps in their development, it is not unrealistic to envision that 76ers in the NBA Finals alongside Golden State. This team will go as far as Embiid will take them, provided that he remains healthy. If, for some reason, Philadelphia loses its big man, the 76ers are dead in the water.

Can Markelle Fultz Contribute?

The 76ers looked silly last season after drafting Fultz first overall and watching Jayson Tatum emerge as a star. However, Fultz was injured for most of the season. For the time that he did play, Fultz's shot was severely constricted by his shoulder injury. Now, word out of Philadelphia is that the 76ers are planning on starting Fultz this season. With Fultz in the starting lineup, this team will have an entire new element of explosiveness. The 76ers overachieved without Fultz last season. With the Sixers' Big Three on the floor at the same time, this team is being seriously underestimated.

Will Ben Simmons' Shot Improve?

Simmons was a multi-dimensional talent as a rookie last season. He became precisely the player that was anticipated when the Sixers drafted him, averaging close to a triple-double. The aspects from his game that are missing are his outside shot and his ability to get to the free throw line. The Sixers need that driving presence that can draw fouls on the opposing defenses. Simmons can pass and rebound, but he will need to develop an outside shot, especially if he is to share ball-handling duties with Fultz.

How Good can Embiid be?

When Embiid was drafted, he drew comps to Hakeem Olajuwon. Now that Embiid has proven that he can play healthy, those comps may have been understated. Embiid potential is to become one of the greatest centers in NBA history. Simply stated, there are no weaknesses to his game. The only thing that can get in Embiid's way is his body. The Sixers will be wholly dependent on their star this season. Even with their complimentary pieces, Embiid is the undisputed star in town. Much will be up to coach Brett Brown and how he manages Embiid's minutes and rest. The Sixers have a legitimate shot at a conference championship and Embiid will need to be rested and healthy for the playoffs. If Philadelphia keeps his minutes to around 30 per game, Embiid can have an outsize presence.