What started as a championship-chasing season in the summer will end up in the lottery for the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite everything the team has endured, Philly fans have plenty of reasons to be happy about this season. Yes, the team completely underachieved. But for a moment, we can focus on the silver linings for loyal fans.
5 Reasons for Philly Fans to Love This Sixers Season
We can look at two recent examples of teams underachieving and then coming back stronger. The first is the Dallas Mavericks, who tanked their way into a top 10 pick. They got Dereck Lively II, and with a few marginal improvements, they made it to the Finals in the first season afterward. We can also look at the Memphis Grizzlies, a team that underachieved two years in a row. But after a few rocky seasons, the Grizzlies are back in the higher echelon of Western teams. So, with that in mind, let’s look at five things Philly fans can be happy about this season.
The Emergence of Jared McCain
The Sixers struck gold in the 2024 draft, getting Jared McCain. In a draft many viewed as weak, Philadelphia got the possible rookie of the year. Of course, that was before he went down with a knee injury. However, McCain is a young player who can play a significant role in the future. Because he was drafted 16th overall, he is very cheap for the next few seasons. Before his season-ending meniscus surgery, McCain averaged 15.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 2.2 3s. He was the only bright spot in the first three months of the season.
Trading for Jared Butler
Most fans might not get excited about trading for a player like Jared Butler. But for Sixers fans, this trade meant the team is getting younger and more athletic. Butler is 24 years old and will age great alongside McCain, Tyrese Maxey, and the other young guys. Everything in Philadelphia revolves around Joel Embiid. But if the Sixers can get younger and more athletic, they will make things easier for the big guy.
The team might not have Embiid at the start of next season. They can even rest him during the regular season to ensure the former MVP is fresh for the playoffs. Butler will help in that regard. In five games for the Sixers this season, he averages 7.4 points on 40% shooting. Before the trade to Philly, he shot 36.6% from behind the arc for the Wizards. He has a team option at $2.3 million for next season.
Signing Lonnie Walker IV
Lonnie Walker IV shot the lights out for the Los Angeles Lakers two years ago. In some games, he looked like Stephen Curry. Two seasons ago he shot 36.5% from behind the arc. Last year, he shot 38.4% from behind the arc for the Brooklyn Nets.
After a short stint in the EuroLeague, Walker is back in the NBA. The Sixers signed the guard on a two-year contract. That means he will be a cheap role player next season.
Guerschon Yabusele
Guerschon Yabusele had a great showing at the Paris 2024 Olympics. He earned a one-year contract with the Sixers thanks to his play for the French national team. He has outplayed that contract by a lot. With the moves Philadelphia made at the trade deadline to shed some salary, they essentially cleared room to sign Yabusele to a long-term contract in the summer.
The Frenchman has been excellent this season, averaging 10.7 points on 40.3% shooting from behind the arc. Next season, he will turn 30, but he still has a few good years left—enough for Philly to contend in the future.
The Possibility Of a High Lottery Pick
The last thing Philly fans can be happy about this season is that the team might keep its first-round pick. Fans of the team might have hated that the Sixers managed to beat the Warriors recently because it put them behind Brooklyn in the draft.
Right now, the Sixers should pick seventh, but they owe a top six protected pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder. If they managed to crawl back into the sixth spot, Philly fans will be more than happy. With that pick, they can get their hands on a player like Tre Johnson, Kasparas Jakucionis, or Asa Newell.
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