The NBA Season is back! Just like your favorite superhero story, the NBA brings fun, entertainment, and a lot of uncanny subplots to unpack. That’s why NBA.com Philippines decided to preview the new season comic-book style. We pick out fantastic characters that will take the stage and new amazing arcs to watch out for. Bang! Pow! Boom! Let’s go!
What’s their superpower?
The drama surrounding the Philadelphia 76ers should be enough for every NBA fan to pay attention. Their superpower is that they’re practically a must-watch team and you don’t know what’s going to happen next.
Philadelphia is an Eastern Conference titan - a consistent playoff contender the past few seasons. The Sixers have an up-and-coming star in Tyrese Maxey, the reigning MVP in Joel Embiid, and star point guard (who was a former MVP himself) in James Harden. And yet, the internal struggle between Harden and the front office is what everyone has been buzzing about.
Everything can go south in a blink of an eye. Or they could rally together and somehow keep winning. The team is fractured but that doesn’t mean they’re any less entertaining.
What’s their kryptonite?
How are the vibes in Philly? The city of Brotherly Love hasn’t found a whole lot of love in the offseason. Team chemistry might play a significant factor in the team’s title hopes. They have all the talent in the world but if one of their stars is disgruntled and wants out, where does that leave the rest of the team?
Assuming Harden does get his wish, what kind of players will the Sixers get? And how long till both parties get what they want and a trade does happen? Until then, the chemistry of the team will take a hit. New coach Nick Nurse has a lot of figuring out to do.
Who is their biggest hero?
Amid all the tribulations in Philly, the fact remains that Joel Embiid is the star of the show. Last year’s MVP is at the peak of his powers and he can singlehandedly keep the Sixers competitive. As long as he stays healthy, he can have another MVP-caliber season.
Who is their biggest villain?
If you’re the Philadelphia front office, the biggest villain is James Harden. On the other hand, if you’re the Beard, your enemy is Daryl Morey whom he called a liar when he was asking to be traded.
It’s tough to say who will win in this tug-of-war. The only losers so far are the Sixers and their fans as this drama unfolds.
How does their story play out?
Harden is still a Sixer as of this moment. Whether or not he plays at the start of the season is another question. And if he does decide to play, will he make a scene and not play well? In any case, expect a rocky start for Philly to start the season.
Regardless, the team is still talented with Embiid at the center of it all. They’ll still win a number of games and potentially be one of the top teams in the standings. The intrigue lies in the playoffs if they can come together and take down the other contenders. If they don’t get their act together, you’re looking at another lackluster finish to the season.
