Marc Stein of ESPN.com has ranked YOUR Philadelphia 76ers 8th in the NBA in the pre-season Power Rankings. This is probably the highest the Sixers have ever been on Marc Stein’s over-hyped ranking system, but you know, I’ll take it.
I am a diehard Sixer fan, probably one of the few Philadelphia sports fans where the Sixers are my favorite over the Eagles, Phillies and Flyers (which would be the order of importance to me). I have never been more pumped for the start of an NBA season then I am for this upcoming season. The Sixers were hands down the outright winners of the offeason and the team they are about to trot onto the hardwood could be the best in years. The run and gun style combined with a true post presence really gives me goosebumps when I think of the potential this team possesses.
Mr. Stein ranked us 8th in the NBA, but behind fellow Eastern Conference mates: Boston (1), Cleveland (6) and Detroit (7). He had this to say about our franchise heading into the 2008/2009 NBA season.
The Sixers were undisputed champs of the offseason, but it’s also true that Mr. Brand might lift last season’s No. 7s only one spot. Philly can finish anywhere from No. 2 to No. 6, like Cleveland, Detroit, Orlando and Toronto.
I think Mr. Elton Brand will indeed lift us higher then then 7th seed in the East. I’m predicting a 3 seed (behind Boston and Detroit), it’s bold, it’s a tad high, but who ever said lofty expectations were bad. I think Mr. Brand is the best pickup we possibly could have made. Not only was he the best FA out there, but he also filled our biggest need at a true Power Forward.
Things are looking bright Sixer Fans and I’m jumping on the bandwagon now, wait, I was always on the Sixer bandwagon… anyway, see you on opening night.
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