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Philadelphia 76ers 2016-17 Outlook: The End Of The Process?

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Jul 12, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons (25) dribbles the ball during an NBA Summer League game against the Golden State Warriors at Thomas & Mack Center. Golden State won the game 85-77. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia 76ers made big changes this offseason, in the front office and on the roster. Is the process finally over heading into 2016-17?

Last Season’s Record: 10-72, 15th Eastern Conference

It was a busy offseason for the Philadelphia 76ers, with a change of pace for the organization that has recently become known for their “tanking” method under GM Sam Hinkie. But the creator of “The Process” is gone, replaced by Jerry Colangelo and tasked with the job of making the Sixers relevant again.

They certainly made great strides to do so. Let’s take a look of what they added in and lost.

Added:

Losses:

The Sixers added some more depth finally, bringing in some shooting and even more size. Ben Simmons joins an already crowded backcourt, one that features three starting-caliber centers in Nerlens Noel, Jahlil Okafor, and newly returned Joel Embiid. There’s not a lot of established talent on the team, but there’s plenty of promise. But this team is long and athletic, and should be a really exciting, and sometimes confusing, team to watch.

Feb 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel (4) celebrates with center Jahlil Okafor (8) after a score against the Washington Wizards during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Depth Chart Prediction

PG: Jerryd Bayless, Sergio Rodriguez, TJ McConnell

SG: Gerald Henderson, Nik Stouskas, Hollis Thompson

SF: Ben Simmons, Robert Covington, Jerami Grant

PF: Jahlil Okafor, Dario Saric

C: Nerlens Noel, Joel Embiid

As far as the way this lineup is going to look, I don’t have much of an idea. The team has technically four guys at center, but also two that can play the power forward and Ben Simmons, who probably should be at the four.

This is a talented and crowded frontcourt, and I’m not sure who gets the minutes. But it makes sense to me that Okafor would play the 4 with his talent on offense. And I don’t see Embiid starting over Noel just yet, but may expect it as the season progresses.

The guards are also really unproven. Hollis Thompson, Jerami Grant, Nik Stouskas, and T.J. McConnell have all been tried out as starters, but I’d think that the Sixers would go with the older veterans to begin with. This team desperately needs them right now, with so many young players at each position.

Apr 8, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Injured Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) practices prior to a game against the New York Knicks at Wells Fargo Center. The New York Knicks won 109-102. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Strengths:

Despite the logjam, this is a really talented crew in the paint for the Philadelphia 76ers. Okafor is really the only defensive liability, and the Sixers are going to be able to shut down most prescence in the paint. Getting Embiid back also gives some length and rim protection right behind Nerlens Noel, and gives some insurance behind Okafor.

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Dario Saric is also a good defender, and it should be a real challenge to score in the paint of Philly.

Also, this team is athletic. Simmons is a genetic freak, and his backcourt mates are all also quick and long. Throw in a guard that likes to run and jump in Gerald Henderson, and this team will be dunking and flying all over the gym.

Simmons’ passing ability, along with the vision of Henderson also gives the offense a better look to spread it around and move the flow around.

This team is going to provide some highlights, with Sergio Rodriguez, Saric, and Simmons, known for flair, being added to this team. There are dunkers up and down this roster, with Simmons, Henderson, and the big men.

They’ll lob it up a lot, and I’m sure a few will connect. There is talent everywhere, the byproduct of punting on three straight seasons.

Apr 13, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown reacts during the first quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Weaknesses:

This should go without saying, right? This team is much improved from the 10-win team we saw a year ago, but it’s improved with youth. And if there is one constant in the NBA, it is that youth does not correlate to winning right away. The whole nucleus of this team is massively young, with half of the rotation being in the league less than three years.

Consistent defense is going to be a big struggle, and lapses are going to run rampant. Sure, it’s going to get better, but first it’s going to get worse.

And on offense, the Sixers are going to struggle. Philly has been the league’s worst offense for three straight seasons, and there’s little to definitively say that they’ll be a lot better this season.

Bayless is a solid shooter, but outside of him, there’s not perimeter shooting threats. Teams are going to load the paint and dare Philly to beat them from outside. That’ll be tough to do, as their star forward rookie is a pass-first player.

Beyond that, chemistry may be an issue on this team going forward as they decide what to do with their frontcourt jam. Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical already reported that the Sixers have acknowledged that they’ll eventually need to move either Okafor or Noel, and both big men have made their feelings known about the issue.

Noel said earlier this week: “”You’ve got three talented centers that can play 30-plus minutes a night and three centers can’t play 30 minutes a night. That’s that. Things need to be situated. Obviously, somebody’s got to be moved around. It’s a tough situation, but I can only say so much because I have no say and no power.”

With a volatile situation like that, it’s only natural that we’ll see some cries for playing time, and a lot of rumors circulating the Sixers camp. If I had to guess, a move comes sooner rather than later, as there are far too many players on the roster that need to grow, and they need some guard help.

Sep 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons (25) during media day at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Most Important Player(s):

Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid

Sure, Jahlil Okafor was by far the best player for Philly last season, but I’m not worried about Okafor performing. He’ll keep the scoring up, and pace the team. But Simmons is important for many other reasons. Simmons ability to develop a jump shot will determine how open this offense can become, and where it will be going.

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Simmons passing can also really open up the floor, but his progression will give the Sixers an idea of where he can end up.

Joel Embiid is important in a similar manner. Embiid gives a massive insurance blanket behind Noel and Okafor if he can be healthy. And if he can establish himself as the massive force the Sixers thought he could be, the Sixers can feel much better if they deal one of Noel and Okafor. Embiid can transform the team, but it all relies on his health.

What’s a Successful Season?

After the brutal last few seasons in Philly, anything close to resembling a competitive team would probably be a welcomed change.

The Sixers are going to be improved. Simmons needs to play considerable minutes and be productive. And the Sixers need to figure out their big man situation.

If they can, it should be successful. Joel Embiid staying healthy would also be big.  And if the Sixers can get all those things working, there’s no reason this team can’t win 30+ games.

Prediction:

28-54, 4th in Atlantic 14th in Eastern Conference

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