Warriors Contender Scouting Report: Philadelphia 76ers
By Andrew Ites
Do the young and talented Philadelphia 76ers have enough firepower to challenge the Warriors in a potential NBA Finals matchup?
The Warriors are expected to make the NBA Finals for the fifth straight year of the Steve Kerr era next season. But who will come out of the Eastern Conference now that LeBron James is in Los Angeles?
The Celtics are the favorite to win the East this year, but the 76ers are serious contenders to make the Finals.
Philadelphia is led by the best young duo in the league in Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid.
Each player has their limitations with Simmons’ lack of shooting and Embiid’s struggles defending smaller guards on switches. However, they are each incredible physical specimens and are capable of taking over a game.
J.J. Redick and Dario Saric will likely join them in the starting lineup next season, and they provide some much-needed shooting alongside their two young stars.
The other starting spot is up for grabs.
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Versatile wings Wilson Chandler and Robert Covington could slide in at small forward, or Brett Brown could take a chance on former number one overall pick Markelle Fultz as a starter.
Whatever starting five they choose next year, Philadelphia has an undeniable amount of talent among the top eight in their rotation.
The Sixers have a chance to be one of the league’s best defensive teams next season, and they match up pretty well with the Warriors.
Simmons, Chandler, and Covington make up a lengthy group of wing defenders, and Joel Embiid was on the shortlist for Defensive Player of the Year last season.
However, Embiid could be exploited when Golden State goes small with their Super Death Lineup that has capable shooters and playmakers at all five positions.
If Simmons improves his shot and Embiid becomes more mobile on defense, Philadelphia could be extremely scary next year. But there are too many question marks for them to strike much fear into the Warriors’ hearts heading into the season.
Here are our scouting reports of some other possible contenders next season: