How Many Sixers Will Make a 2020 All-NBA Team?
It’s never too early to speculate how good a team might be, especially under the microscope of individual players on said team.
Hence, with expectations for this upcoming Sixers’ squad absolutely through the roof, let’s analyze young stars Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons as it relates to their All-NBA prospects for the impending 2019-20 campaign.
The Safe Bet
Joel Embiid has been named the All-NBA 2nd Team Center in consecutive seasons. His numbers have continued to improve each year, and after last season there’s not much left he can improve. He has more than made his impact on the floor which is known to fans, teammates, coaches, and opposing players alike. The only audience left to adequately take note is the national media.
For the foreseeable future, the 1st Team All-NBA Center debate will seemingly continue to revolve around Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic. As Sixers fans, we all know who took (stole) the honor this past season. The reality is that there’s currently an odd fixation around the novelty of a trait that is Jokic’s passing ability. His assist numbers were the determining factor in voters’ minds. Now that Embiid has the clear advantage of his team’s postseason success (quadruple-doink Game 7 loss to the NBA Champions vs. series loss to the team which got swept by the Finals runner-up), voters should view this upcoming season with a level playing field.
The All-NBA Hopeful
Ben Simmons has the power to be the single-most determining factor to the ultimate success of the Sixers’ 2019-20 campaign. Coming off his 1st All-Star appearance, he has the potential to be more than just an All-Star this upcoming season if he genuinely adds shooting to his arsenal. With each passing week, Sixers fans are blessed with the latest Swish Cultures video of Ben knocking down fadeaway jumpers or drilling 3s in a 5v5 setting. The level of anticipation for just one player’s opening night performance could not be any higher.
Prediction: Joel Embiid (1st Team) AND Ben Simmons (3rd Team)
With both franchise centerpieces having had another offseason to work on their body in addition to their game, I expect them to achieve their biggest career accolades thus far when the 2019-20 campaign is all said and done. Joel will separate himself from Nikola Jokic and voters won’t have any “missed games” excuse. Ben will flourish in a loaded offense, and his already multi-dimensional game will legitimately tap into his anticipated jump shot.
I foresee voters falling back on their pre-established love affair with the sexier names of Curry, Harden, Lillard, and Irving for the top 2 All-NBA teams.
Featured Image: nbcsports.com
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