If Simmons and Embiid stay fit, I think they will go to conference final within 3 to 4 years and make the NBA Finals either then or shortly after. If Fultz shows the same kind of promise in his first season next year as Simmons and Embiid had after their injuries then it could be even sooner. If on top of that LeBron joins them they will make finals next year. Simmons and Embiid are an absolute joy to watch. Crazy to think that someone like Saric could even soon go to the bench.
In Chicago, Vonleh is playing 11 mpg getting 4.7 pts and 4.7 rebs on 55% shooting from the field and .375 from 3-pt range. It doesn't really apply here but per36, that is 15.38 points and rebounds per game on .625 eFG%. Not bad.
The point was, perhaps everyone settled down and had their minds more at ease knowing that they weren't moved and can finish the season together. Mind games can absolutely effect your play.
Maybe, but very possibly not. Each of their big 3 has significant injury histories. Moreso even than Roy and Oden, and they're both out of the league now.
As much as our games don’t really match up, this team reminds me of the 1990 Bad Boy Pistons. A little bit dirty, a lot hard-working. Nurk is our Rodman; Collins is our Laimbeer. Ed Davis is John Salley.
Team just needed time to come together. getting swept last year after a great first game at GS was very disappointing. Have all the teams in the same division ever made the playoffs? Could happen, if the Pelicans can drop a few games.
It was a internet meme joke from a few years ago when the Blazers had the 5th best record but got the 4th seed because they won the NW division.