Fansided

5 reasons the Philadelphia 76ers can win the 2021 NBA championship

By Kristen Wong

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 05: Ben Simmons #25, Joel Embiid #21, and Tobias Harris #33 of the Philadelphia 76ers react against the Toronto Raptors in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at the Wells Fargo Center on May 5, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Raptors defeated the 76ers 101-96. 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. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 05: Ben Simmons #25, Joel Embiid #21, and Tobias Harris #33 of the Philadelphia 76ers react against the Toronto Raptors in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at the Wells Fargo Center on May 5, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Raptors defeated the 76ers 101-96. 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. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

2. The Philadelphia 76ers have feisty defenders everywhere

Because of their Mariana Trench-deep depth, Philadelphia has multitudes of defending options who can successfully guard against intimidating offenses in the playoffs.

Many will look to their biggest Eastern competitor, the Brooklyn Nets, as an insurmountable opponent. But what team is better equipped to take them on than the one with not one but two Defensive Player of the Year Candidates and arguably the best big man in basketball? To play a series against a team with an MVP offense of KD, Irving, and Harden may seem like picking the short end of the stick, but somebody will have to do it. If anyone can topple the Nets off their throne, it’s Philadelphia.

Philadelphia has feisty, competitive defenders in almost every player on the court and are ranked just 0.1 shy of the first-place Lakers in defensive rating. A big chunk of that is due to Embiid and backup center Howard dominating with their size and smarts, as well as Simmons who ranks high in deflections and can guard virtually any position.

The rest of the team, some scrappier than others, have proven they can hold down the fort. Danny Green and Tobias Harris have stepped up to bring reliable wing defense, Vincent Poirier and Rayjon Tucker have both been overachieving in limiting opponent’s fast-break points and second-chance points, and Matisse Thybulle ranks tenth in the league for highest steal percentage. This Sixers squad can do it all without the ball, and their stalwart defense will take them to a championship.