10 brief Sixers reminders to keep you from exploding this morning

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. The Sixers have a club option for TJ McConnell for 2018-2019 that would keep him in Philly for just $1.6 million. Grit.
10. It has only just begun.