Philadelphia 76ers Fantasy Team Preview

Vegas Win Total Projection: 17.5 (VegasInsider.com)

2014 Record: 18-64

2015 Outlook

Is it 2016 yet? Bummer. The 76ers are in for another long season. Will they be better? I honestly don't know. Another high draft-pick and probably the steal of the draft in Jhalil Okafor is the best thing going for the city of Philadelphia and the 76ers. They moved MCW away, Joel Embiid is injured for yet another season, and they added a couple good pieces in some cap-dumping trades. Potential is what this team can have. They acquired Nic Stauskas from the Kings, Gerald Wallace from the Warriors, and added a couple more young draftees in Jhalil Okafor, J.P. Tokoto, and Richaun Holmes. With the roster they have currently I don't see them competing for a playoff spot. But they could possibly get 20 to 23 wins, if things go there way.

Fantasy Focus

Top Fantasy Options

Their 3rd pick, Jhalil Okafor is the only guy to look for in fantasy options. The rest of this roster will be rotated and I don't see a viable top option other than Okafor. Once looked at as the obvious number 1 pick in the draft, Okafor is a physical, dominant center. He will play the biggest role on this 76ers team and at 19, will be there for a long time. The 76ers front court will certainly be a force to be reckoned with Okafor and fellow big man Nerlens Noel. Both players could have big seasons for a team that may not even get 20 wins.

Hyped Up

Nic Stauskas is a guy I think will end up under performing. In my opinion, he needs to grow more and develop a defensive presence, as well as a more defined offensive game. Because he was involved in a trade with the Kings offloading him for nothing, fans assumed it was a good trade. While it was a good trade, Nic isn't just going to move into this 76ers team and average 10 or 15 points a game. Therefore, you are looking at a player who will be an 8th, 9th, or 10th guy who may get 10 or 15 minutes tops.

GPP Gems

A guy who was on the NBA rookie 1st team, reportedly working on his jump shot this offseason, Nerlens Noel is a guy to watch out for. Noel has been a great addition to the 76ers and will continue to get tons of run. I expect him to become a big power forward, who can develop a mid-range game as his career continues. Noel is an athletic, dominant presence in the paint. He averaged close to 10 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game, while playing 30 minutes on average. I expect him to play even more this season and with the addition of Okafor, he should be less of a focus for opponents. Still only 21, Noel has shown a great deal of improvement since he entered the league, even with injuries and so on. This season I expect him to be close to 15 and 10, with 2 or 3 blocks and a couple of assists per. Keep an eye out for an improved jump shot, better defensive play, and more minutes for Noel.

Team Statistics

The 76ers front court alone can't get them into the playoffs, even if they're in the east. I see this team gaining 2 to 3 wins from last season, somewhere in the early 20's for wins. With the loss of Carter-Williams, the young, under appreciated point guard out of Syracuse,the team will not be as good as they may have been this season. I think the team will be close to the bottom once again this season based on youth, inexperience, and a relatively small depth chart.

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