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I’m not ready to talk about the Celtics series just yet; I’m in a fragile state of mind. So here’s a list of 10 thoughts I’ve been repeating to myself as a form of meditation to keep myself from hyperventilating into a tweet fueled public meltdown. Maybe they can offer you some zen as well.
- Ben Simmons, in his rookie season, was less than 2 rebounds and 2 assists per game shy of averaging a triple-double for the season. Triple-doubles don’t correlate to wins, but to get that production from such a young player is intensely exciting.
- The Sixers had the most efficient high-usage 5 man lineup in the NBA over the 82 game regular season with Ben Simmons/JJ Redick/Robert Covington/Dario Saric/Joel Embiid. 4 of those 5 players are under contract for next season.
- Joel Embiid made his first All-Star game this season, a season he entered coming off of a meniscus tear and in which he did not practice with the team. He will have his first healthy off-season of his NBA career this summer.
- Dario Saric’ shooting splits in his first season (2016-2017): 41.1%/31.1%/78.2% with an eFG% of 46.8. This season, Dario’s shooting percentages increased to 45.3%/39.3%/86.0% with an eFG% of 54.1%. Dario added versatility to his game to fit alongside Simmons.
- Markelle Fultz won’t be 20 years old for another 19 days. To build on this, the Sixers starting lineup this season included two 24 year olds (Embiid & Saric), a 21 year old (Simmons), a 27 year old (Covington). This franchise possesses an abundance of youth.
- The Sixers will likely have a lottery pick and a late first round pick in the upcoming NBA Draft to add depth or be used in a trade.
- The Sixers over/under win total before this season began fluctuated around 41 wins. They went on to finish the season with their first 50+ win campaign since 2000-2001, 17 years ago.
- The Sixers have the finances available to add a max free agent this summer or roll the cash over until next summer for another shot at a max free agent. Philadelphia has become a destination.
- The Sixers have a club option for TJ McConnell for 2018-2019 that would keep him in Philly for just $1.6 million. Grit.
- It has only just begun.