NBA Season Preview 2017-18: 20 things to watch this NBA season

OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors shoots a foul shot against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Five of the 2017 NBA Finals on June 12, 2017 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Bruce Yeung/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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17. The Sixers have real NBA players!

For the first time in a half-decade, the Philadelphia 76ers have more than a handful of NBA-caliber players on their roster.

Joel Embiid’s health remains a massive concern, but he flashed MVP upside during the 31 games he played last season. Ben Simmons missed his rookie campaign after fracturing his foot during training camp, but head coach Brett Brown recently told reporters he’s been “dominating the gym” as of late, per Rich Hofmann of The Athletic. No. 1 pick Markelle Fultz is set to make his NBA debut after missing much of summer league with an ankle sprain.

Joining that young Big Three in the starting lineup will be sharpshooter JJ Redick, who signed a one-year, $23 million contract with Philadelphia in free agency, and the perpetually underrated Robert Covington. Rookie of the Year runner-up Dario Saric and Nik Stauskas will provide scoring punch off the bench, while Richaun Holmes, former No. 3 overall pick Jahlil Okafor and free-agent signee Amir Johnson will jostle for reserve minutes in the frontcourt behind Simmons and Embiid.

The Sixers have ranked dead last in offensive efficiency over each of the past four seasons, but with a starting five of Fultz, Redick, Covington, Simmons and Embiid, they’ll quickly become a force with which to be reckoned on both ends of the court. So long as Embiid and Co. remain healthy, don’t be surprised if Philadelphia sneaks into the playoffs this year.

Next: 16. Can Lonzo Ball save the Lakers?