The Philadelphia 76ers’ “Trust the Process” era has been one of the most unique and successful in NBA history. After years of deliberate losing to amass draft picks, the team has finally emerged as one of the favorites to win the championship.
In the early stages of the “Process,” the team focused on developing its young players, Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. Embiid quickly emerged as one of the best centers in the league, while Simmons showed promise as a versatile point guard.
However, the 76ers’ aspirations took a hit when Simmons struggled to live up to his potential and requested a trade. The team eventually acquiesced to Simmons’ demands, sending him to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for James Harden.
Harden’s arrival has transformed the 76ers into one of the most feared teams in the NBA. He gives the team a legitimate superstar alongside Embiid and elevates their offense to another level.
With Harden in the fold, the Philadelphia 76ers’ odds are now the sixth favorites to win the NBA championship in 2023-24. They have a deep roster with a mix of veterans and young players, and they are poised to make a deep run in the playoffs.
The Evolution of the 76ers’ Championship Aspirations
The 76ers’ championship aspirations have evolved, reflecting the team’s changing roster and the changing landscape of the NBA.
In the early stages of the “Process,” the 76ers’ aspirations were relatively modest. The team was focused on developing its young players and building a foundation for the future.
However, as Embiid and Simmons emerged as stars, the 76ers’ aspirations began to grow. The team made several high-profile trades and free-agent signings to compete for a championship.
The 76ers reached the Eastern Conference Semifinals in 2019-20 and the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021-22. However, they have yet to reach the NBA Finals.
The acquisition of Harden has given the 76ers the superstar they need to compete for a championship. The team now has a legitimate Big Three and the talent to beat any team in the league.
The Future is Bright for the 76ers
The 76ers are not just a one-year contender. They have a young and talented core that is poised to compete for championships for years to come.
Embiid is just 28 years old, and he is entering his prime. Harden is 33 years old, but he is still one of the best players in the league. Maxey is 21 years old, and he has the potential to be a superstar.
The 76ers also have several other young players who could develop into contributors, such as Tyrese Haliburton, Jaden Springer, and Charles Bassey.
The future is bright for the 76ers. They have the talent and the pieces in place to compete for championships for years to come.
Conclusion
The Philadelphia 76ers have come a long way since the “Trust the Process” era began in 2013. They are now one of the favorites to win the NBA championship in 2023-24.
The team has a deep roster with a mix of veterans and young players. Embiid and Harden are one of the most potent duos in the league, and they are surrounded by solid role players.
The 76ers are finally ready to compete for a championship. They have a chance to bring a title back to Philadelphia for the first time since 1983.
Their goal has always been the same: to win a championship. The team is now one of the favorites to achieve that goal, and they have the talent and the pieces in place to do it.