The Sixer Sense
Fansided

5 reasons the Philadelphia 76ers will improve on 52 wins

By Christopher Kline

CAMDEN, NJ - SEPTEMBER 25: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers poses for a portrait during the Philadelphia 76ers Media Day on September 25, 2017 at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex in Camden, New Jersey.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
CAMDEN, NJ - SEPTEMBER 25: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers poses for a portrait during the Philadelphia 76ers Media Day on September 25, 2017 at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex in Camden, New Jersey.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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Philadelphia 76ers
CAMDEN, NJ – SEPTEMBER 25: Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers poses for a portrait during the Philadelphia 76ers Media Day on September 25, 2017 at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex in Camden, New Jersey.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

What should Philadelphia 76ers fans expect from their team next season?

The Philadelphia 76ers enter the 2018-19 season as favorites in the Eastern Conference. Maybe not the favorites, but most pundits expect them to compete with Boston and Toronto for a spot in the NBA Finals. Some folks, however, have differing opinions.

Nobody expected the Sixers to win 52 games last season. Just about every expectation was exceeded, with Ben Simmons cruising to Rookie of the Year and Joel Embiid making his first All-Star appearance as a starter.

After a difficult schedule to start the season, Philly tore through their post-All-Star break schedule. That included a 16-game win streak to end the season, despite Embiid missing the final eight contests due to injury. Some called it a fluke, for obvious reasons.

During that win streak, the Sixers’ competition was below par. It was an easy schedule, and the Sixers took advantage of it with one of the most potent five-man rotations in the NBA. Add in an elite defense, and the Sixers seldom appeared challenged in the weeks leading up to the postseason.

Given the lack of competition during that stretch, some critics have questioned the legitimacy of Philadelphia’s rise. Following the loss of Marco Belinelli and Ersan Ilyasova in free agency, those newfound concerns only grew louder.

There is a considerable contingent of fans, analysts and others who believe the Sixers will regress next season. Some question their bench, some question Ben Simmons’ development, and some simply don’t trust the process.

Here’s why those opinions are misguided. The Sixers won’t take a step back next season.