How Many Sixers Will Be All-Stars in 2020?
The Sixers are set to feature one of, if not the best starting 5 in the NBA, let alone Eastern Conference. There’s playmaking, defense, and versatile offensive prowess 1-5.
At this point in time, one can only begin to wonder how much success this team will have before the 2020 All-Star break, and how the NBA community will recognize that success in terms of 2020 Sixers All-Stars.
Recent All-Star History and Current Potential
Over the past couple seasons, homegrown talent in Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons have made their first appearances on All-Star teams, while newly added Al Horford had his 5th and most recent selection in 2018 as a Boston Celtic. This leaves Tobias Harris and Josh Richardson as the odd men out (currently). However, both are viewed as extremely impactful players, and most notably Harris has seemingly been the popular borderline name debated the last couple seasons. Although Richardson has yet to garner similar attention, at just 25 years old he still has a lot of time to develop his game alongside very talented teammates.
With this new-look squad, the possibilities are endless. Yes, of course, it’s a bit unreasonable to think the entire Sixers’ starting 5 will be 2020 NBA All-Stars, but the Sixers have by far the best chance in recent memory to tie the Golden State Warriors’ mark of 4 All-Stars in 2018. Unlike last season, Brett Brown has legitimate time to mold this new group together, and he is already much farther ahead of the apparent, ongoing schedule of last season (highlighted by major in-season acquisitions). Sure there’s gonna be some growing pains, but this season’s group has all the time in the world to figure it out compared to last season’s group.
Prediction: 3 Sixers Make the 2020 All-Star Teams (Embiid, Simmons, and Harris)
Hear me out, it’s not that I think these Sixers will be the only three deservings of a 2020 All-Star nod. I foresee Al Horford having a great year with his new teammates, but I think the rest of the NBA community won’t justly recognize his impact. Instead, I expect voters/coaches to opt with a sexier pick by electing Pascal Siakam, Myles Turner, or Enes Kanter to their first All-Star Game appearance. Just kidding, everyone knows Myles Turner is such a one-dimensional player noted for his inability to defend players like a Joel Embiid. Alright, all jokes aside, I believe Joel makes his 3rd, Ben makes his 2nd, and Tobias finally makes his 1st All-Star Game. Even in their new roles with their new team, I do not expect a dip in production from Josh Richardson or Al Horford. The newcomers to the starting lineup will be key, significant contributors to the success of this team, but their 3 counterparts will likely grab most of the attention.
With pre-season expectations as high as ever for a Sixers team, it’ll be quite interesting to see how good this team will be from the get-go. It seems like a lock that the Sixers will have at least 2 All-Stars for the 2nd consecutive season.
Beyond 2 selections will be a decent indicator of just how well this team is doing compared to a year ago.
Featured Image: NBA.com
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