7 Reasons It's A Good Time To Be A Sixers Fan | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

7 Reasons It's A Good Time To Be A Sixers Fan

Sixers fans...we've been waiting long enough.

104
7 Reasons It's A Good Time To Be A Sixers Fan
NBA

It’s pretty obvious that the Philadelphia 76ers don’t have the best record in the NBA, they haven’t ended the season with a winning record for four years, but they continue to have a loyal fan base. I have always been a Sixers fan, no matter if they’re winning or losing, but lately they’ve given fans some good reasons to get excited. Although they started the season with rocky start, bringing in zero wins and ten losses, they’ve made a turn and won seven of the past eight home games, making them 18-30. According to Philadelphia native Kevin Hart, “it’s a good time to be a Sixers fan”. Here are my reasons why:

1. Joel “The Process” Embiid

Sixers fans have been “trusting the process” by waiting out Joel Embiid’s lengthy two-year recovery from foot injuries. He is playing for the first time this season and has brought a nothing-to-lose mentality to the Sixers. He’s been nicknamed “The Process” but the phrase actually alludes to former general manager Sam Hinkie’s strategy of tanking year after year in order to have the best possible chance of landing a top draft pick. Although Hinkie doesn’t work for the Sixers anymore, his "Process" has paid off in the form of Joel Embiid. Just named the NBA Eastern Conference rookie of the month for the third time, Embiid averages 20.2 points per game.

2. The fans

It’s amazing to me that a team that has been bad for half a decade still has so many loyal fans. I think it says something about Philly fans, we won’t turn our backs when the stats look grim. I’ve passionately supported the Sixers through wins and losses. I think that Sixers fans believe that something good has to be around the corner because once you hit bottom, the only direction to go is up, right? Also, many have said that Philadelphia sports teams are bound for playoff success eventually and it looks like the Sixers could come close. The Sixers have been working hard this season and it’s paying off for both the team and its fans.

3. Two likely high draft picks in the next season

The Sixers have their own draft pick depending on how they finish their season. They will more than likely finish in the lottery, which includes the first seven picks. They also have the Lakers' pick, but it’s protected, meaning if the Lakers draw in the first three, they keep their pick but if they draw a pick lower than three, the Sixers will get it. Also, the Sixers can switch picks with Sacramento if Sacramento draw a higher draft pick. So they could potentially have two high draft picks, which is good news for the future of the Sixers.

4. Ben Simmons’ highly anticipated debut

Rookie Ben Simmons, who was drafted with the top overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft by the Sixers, is on the edge of his Philly debut. He has been injured since fracturing his foot in preseason but is a highly talked about rookie who could make the team even better. Simmons’ ability to pass, rebound and score could add to the Sixers’ success and Philly can’t wait to see him on the court.

5. A playoff possibility

The possibility of a playoff is not totally out of reach for the Sixers. As I’m writing this, the Sixers are four games behind the Charlotte Hornets for the eighth and final NBA Eastern Conference playoff position with 44 games remaining. This may not sound too bad but if the team loses a couple more winnable games in the upcoming weeks, it may be time to let go of playoff fantasies. If they can go 8-2 or 7-3 before the All-Star Weekend break then they might be able to hold on to some hope.

6. The dark horse T.J. McConnell (“suicide kamikaze”)

He may only be starting due to injuries, but he’s earning our respect. T.J. McConnell is not only a leader on the court, but plays with a ton of heart. One huge highlight in McConnell’s career was his buzzer beater game-winning basket over Carmelo Anthony. I’ve always had my eye on McConnell as a dark horse, thinking that he had potential, and he’s shown us that he does! In the previous ten games he’s averaged 31.4 minutes per game and 9.1 assists per game. McConnell knows how to distribute the ball and plays good defense. According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, the Cleveland Cavaliers offered the Sixers Jordan McRae in a package for T.J. McConnell that was declined. Sixers head coach Brett Brown praised McConnell and said he wants to keep his point guard. He’s a key player that should not be underestimated.

7. The new partnership with Dunkin Donuts

The Sixers and Dunkin Donuts recently announced a partnership that makes Dunkin Donuts the official coffee, donut and breakfast sandwich partner of the team. On Sixers’ home game days fans can get a medium hot or iced coffee for 76 cents with the DD app. What could be better than a Sixers home game and discounted coffee?


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

1360
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

819
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

199992
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

20745
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments