Fun and games:

The Philadelphia 76ers seem to have more fun than most teams. Joel “The Process” Embiid has been with the team the longest (3 years), so he is the elder statesman, chief spokesman, tweet titan, culture icon and leader of the 76-pack at the ripe old age of 23. His infectious, fun-loving personality brings the players and fans close together.

All the players seem to enjoy each others’ company, which leads to a happy locker room. A happy team is a productive team. As the players start winning, Sixers fans can look forward to many years of fun and games.

Redick has never missed the playoffs. He would not have signed with us, unless the playoffs were a sure thing. He could also be a great mentor to our three-point shooters. Redick could also teach and show them how to get open.

Johnson replaces Elton Brand as a veteran player-coach and likeable locker room leader who will teach and show our bigs how to stay in shape, how to block out, how to set a screen, and how to defend the pick-and-roll.

Weak Eastern Conference:

The NBA East Conference is easier this year, after trading three great players (Paul George, Jimmy Butler and Paul Millsap) to the West.

Conclusion:

When you take everything into account: the talent, versatility, dynamics, depth, make-up, youth, leadership, height-advantage, training complex, the weak conference, the fun, the fans, culture and coaching; the Sixers are much, much better than January’s 10-5 team. Most people are understating the Sixers chances this year, based on their injury history, lack of experience, and poor win-loss record; but even if they slip to 9-6 each month, they will still win (9/15×82) 49.2 games, which would have tied them for the fourth-seed last year.

If the Philadelphia 76ers are healthy this year (no one with a season-ending injury), 10-5 is not only a possible, but a realistic monthly goal. 54.7 wins seems likely.

What say you?

(After the pre-season, I’ll check back in to see how the team is doing.)

Stats are from basketball-reference.com