NBA Season Preview 2017-18: 5 best asset collections

DENVER, CO - APRIL 9: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets grabs the rebound against the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 9, 2017 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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CAMDEN, NJ – SEPTEMBER 25: Ben Simmons /

2. Philadelphia 76ers

Superstars: N/A

All-Stars: Joel Embiid (23)

Young assets: Ben Simmons (21), Markelle Fultz (19), Dario Saric (23), Robert Covington (26), Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (22), Jahlil Okafor (21), Richaun Holmes (23), Furkan Korkmaz (20), Justin Anderson (23), Nik Stauskas (24)

Future picks: 2018 Lakers first (picks 2-5) or 2019 Kings first round, at least three extra second round picks in the next three drafts

The 76ers could realistically make the playoffs this coming season given the state of the Eastern Conference. Ben Simmons will be running the offense for the first time. Philadelphia’s 6-foot-10 floor general will be able to distribute to plus-shooters Markelle Fultz, Jerryd Bayless, J.J. Redick, Nik Stauskas and Furkan Korkmaz, Dario Saric and Robert Covington. If they work the ball into the post, then Joel Embiid, Jahlil Okafor, or Richaun Holmes can hold the 76ers down. Talent is plentiful on this 76ers squad.

There is an obvious reason why NBA executives are finally making anti-tanking measures reality. Sam Hinkie’s idea to take tanking to new extreme-losing for more years intentionally to have more chances at a generational talent-appears to be panning out, even if Hinkie is no longer there to guide the process. There should be many coming playoff berths for the 76ers: others were sure to emulate “The Process” given its success. The NBA had to change the rules because Sam Hinkie may have found a loophole.

Philadelphia has ten players age 23 or younger who already have, or realistically could become starters in the NBA. Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, and Markelle Fultz possess the potential to make numerous All-Star appearances. Dario Saric, Furkan Korkmaz and Jahlil Okafor can all create their own looks and create offense when given the opportunity. Robert Covington, Richaun Holmes, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, Nik Stauskas and Justin Anderson have very good role player potential. The idea of this group of players growing together through the next few seasons should really excite 76ers fans.