Photo Credit: NBA.com (Fultz’s Pre-Draft Workout photo)

Markelle Fultz Guarantees That The 76ers Will Be In The Playoffs

One step at a time.

Fultz-Covington-Simmons-Saric-Embiid (Redick)

Sam Hinkie’s masterplan seems to be completed after this year’s NBA Draft, only he won’t be part of the team that he planned himself, but that’s another story.

Joel Embiid already sees the Philadelphia 76ers supersede the Cavs in the near future, (“I think we’re building up at the right time so when we start getting good that’s when Cleveland and LeBron will start going down. So when it’s all said and done we will be mature and ready to compete for a championship. We will be ready.”). The Sixers number one draft pick Markelle Fultz does not think this far ahead, but has high hopes for his team in the present.

He told CSNPhilly:

“We’re going to be in the playoffs this year, and I think everybody is willing to put forth their best effort and listen to the coaches and listen to the bench. We’ve got to just do whatever it takes to get there. That’s practicing even harder, that’s doing extra work in the gym by ourselves, I mean, we’re going to do whatever it takes.”

If they stay healthy, and that’s the biggest question when talking the 76ers roster, they are obviously competing for a playoff spot.

Embiid and Saric, in what will be their second season, this year’s number one draft pick Fultz, last year’s number one draft pick and still rookie Ben Simmons, mixed with the talents of Robert Covington and J.J. Redick, makes the Sixers look like a team ready to make some damage in the East.

The East has gotten weaker again, and only the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, Toronto Raptors, Washinton Wizards and Milwaukee Bucks should be considered playoff locks. Philadelphia will be fighting with the Miami Heat, Charlotte Hornets and Detroit Pistons, and whatever team will be the surprise of the year for the remaining spots.