Philadelphia 76ers Preview 2021

PreviewsNBAEASTERN CONFERENCEAtlantic Division

Oct 12

Our Philadelphia 76ers preview 2021 acknowledges that after a five-year drought this team has been competitive the past four seasons. However, in those last four seasons, the Sixers have not made it past the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Last season, despite finishing first in the East, Philadelphia lost to the Atlanta Hawks in the semifinals four games to three. Overall, going into the 2021-2022 NBA season, this team looks solid with its strengths being at center and shooting guard.

76ers Frontcourt

Our Philadelphia 76ers preview 2021 notes that center Joel Embiid and power forward Tobias Harris are a lethal duo. Last season, Embiid, an accurate inside-out shooter, averaged 28.5 PPG, 10.6 RPG, and 1.4 BPG. At the same time, Harris, another premium shooter who can also hit from the paint and downtown, was good for 19.5 PPG and 6.8 RPG. Those stats could improve even more this season. Andre Drummond, a perennial double-double guy, comes from the Lakers to support Embiid while former Utah player Georges Niang offers quality minutes at power forward.

The Philadelphia small forward spot is in flux. Niang, a 42.5% three-point shooter, could start there. Additionally, Danny Green and Korkmaz could swing into the position. Finding one player who can excel in this spot is perhaps the toughest challenge for the Sixers. Small forward is a work in progress.

Philadelphia 76ers Preview – Backcourt

The 76ers will likely have Shake Milton, a solid passer and shooter who’s entering his fourth NBA and Philadelphia season, start at the point. He looks ready to go. Tyrese Maxey, a talented passer and shooter who last year in his rookie season averaged 15.3 MPG, looks to be a future starter. He backs up.

The strength of this backcourt is at shooting guard. Seth Curry, a 45-plus percent shooter from anywhere on the court, starts. Last season, he averaged 12.5 PPG. This group is deep and young. Thus, it includes fifth-year shooting guard Furkan Korkmaz and rookie and former Tennessee Vol scoring sensation Jaden Springer. This sharpshooting group will help draw out defenders. Consequently, the paint will open up, helping Embiid and company.