Things have (understandably) tailed off for the Philadelphia 76ers following the hot 4-0 start to the season. The undefeated season dream died, then the spot atop the Eastern Conference, and now we’re
back to looking at them in the Play-In Tournament range. The quest for the NBA Cup also isn’t looking good after the group stage loss to Boston. But you know what hasn’t stopped? These Sixers being absolute must-see TV on a nightly basis.
Even now at 6-4 on the season, the only loss that didn’t come down to the final seconds for Philadelphia was against Cleveland, which you could find in the encyclopedia under the ‘Schedule Loss’ heading. They’ve had one game go to overtime, and five other contests decided by four points or less. The Sixers are currently fifth in the NBA in offensive rating, but 22nd in defensive rating, a “Bucketz” formula that may not make for a championship contender, but does make you want to grab some popcorn and tune in to find out what happens.
After a season where almost everything Sixers-related was depressing, Philadelphia now has fun stories across the entire roster.
Like an anime hero who levels up his power scale or unlocks new weapons and armor, Tyrese Maxey is now playing at an All-NBA level and finds himself on a down-ballot MVP trajectory. VJ Edgecombe made history in his debut and has hit some typical rookie bumps, but still stepped up to hit some huge shots late in games. After watching Oklahoma City have a half dozen guards who will absolutely dog you on both ends of the court, it’s good to know the Sixers drafted one such individual with that fearless mentality.
Joel Embiid is back on the court, looking more productive player than albatross contract. From afar, he seems to be in a much better headspace and the team has encouragingly implemented a sensible plan for his usage. Quentin Grimes is the perfect guy to slide up or down his level of responsibility given who else is available, and I enjoy when he periodically pops up as Exhibit B in the “Why hasn’t Nico Harrison been fired yet?” discussions. Kelly Oubre Jr. is shooting 38 percent from three, and playing terrific two-way basketball, making those individuals claiming he should have been salary-dumped in the offseason look incredibly silly.
Andre Drummond has recovered from what must have been an entirely debilitating toe injury last season, now looking like the windex man of old and even adding a three-point shot to his game. Trendon Watford recorded a triple-double (!) in his first start as a Sixer, causing Joel to whip out Ben Simmons comparisons in post-game interviews. Adem Bona is like the basketball embodiment of Charlie Kelly declaring himself the wild card, making his incredible 2k block rating look perfectly accurate if you catch him on the right night.
To borrow a turn of phrase from Jason Kelce, “It’s the whole team!”
Now, in true Sixers fashion, there are still a few holdovers of less exciting bygone days. The Paul George injury situation is still a bit of a mystery. Dominick Barlow was struck down after a fun start to the season by the most dangerous elbow cut in the history of mankind. Jared McCain has been back in action in a few sparing moments thus far, but does not appear to like that leg brace one bit.
Still, after months earlier this calendar year when we were actively rooting for the team to lose to better their draft positions, it’s so nice to wake up and say, “Oh, the Sixers are on tonight. That’ll be fun. I can’t wait to watch.” The Sixers probably aren’t going to end up on the road to a championship this season (maybe Paul George playing can change that equation a bit?), but I guarantee they’re not a squad who opposing clubs would want to draw in the postseason. More importantly from a fan perspective, they’re back to being appointment viewing.
