[georgiafan]

2017 / 2018 Major Storylines


1. Is this the year we see results and the 76ers make the playoffs ?

The 76ers have been tanking and redshirting players for years and now the fans are tired of trusting the process and want to see results. Everyone knows that the Eastern Conference is very weak even more so then last year after this past offseason. The bottom 4 seeds in the east are up for grabs so fighting with teams like Pistons, Heat, Hornets, Hawks and Pacers aren't exactly death row.


2. Can Embiid stay healthy and justify the new contract after dominating in just 31 games last year?

Last year he finally made his NBA debut after sitting out 2 years with injuries and while he only played in 31 games. He averaged 20 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assist, 1 steal and 2.5 blocks and did all of this in only 25 minutes. The front office just 2 weeks ago went ahead and gave him a max contract instead of letting him play out the year as a restricted free agent. There is no doubt that Embiid can be a perennial all star and is still only 23 years old. He also may be the most likable guy in the entire NBA so he has a lot of people pulling for him. The big questions is can he stay healthy ?


3. Can Fultz score 20 a game as rookie ? Was it the right move to trade up to #1 and pass on Ball ?

Instead of picking at #3 overall the 76ers traded a future high draft pick to move up from #3 to #1 and take Fultz. On paper its a perfect fit as the team greatly needed some backcourt help, shooting and someone that can score. Even though he struggled in preseason nobody is doubting if Fultz can step in right away and score 15+ a game. Just keep a eye out on Jason Tatum for the Celtics and the future Kings pick to see if it was the right move to trade up.

* 2K defaults the pick to a 19 kings 1st where as it real life it could be this years lakers 1st if it lands on 2,3 4 or 5 that the celtics get. From the 76ers side everything should be fair either way just the lakers may get more help.


4. How will former #1 overall pick Ben Simmons play in his rookie year ?

If you follow the NBA at all then you have heard of Ben Simmons the former 1st overall pick who also missed his rookie year with a injury. He has drawn comparisons to Magic Johnson since he is 6'10 with PG skills. Incase you have never seen him play he is a do everything type of player who will flirt with a triple double on most nights. We are expecting him to average around 13 to 18 a night with 6+ assist and rebounds as a rookie. Just don't expect to see him score 26 a game and be shooting 3's as that is not his game.