We have a [dang] Sixers thread. Why is almost every thread spammed with nothing but Philly posts?!
this isn't the sixers thread?
there are three (maybe four) stories that have defined the first half of this NBA season.
#1 - a 73 win team adding an MVP player - we can and do talk about that here, but I personally find it extremely depressing as a fan of the game. Barring a Lebronian miracle I don't see how they lose the title this year.
#2 - The rise of Isaiah Thomas - I legit think it's one of the biggest stories in the NBA. Horford' addition has allowed Thomas to flourish. I wrote a lengthy thread arguing that I legitimately believe he is better offensively than the supremely overrated Allen Iverson. We have an entire forum to discuss Thomas.
#3 - Embiid saving sports in Philly - It's highly entertaining but also a feel-good story. Yeah, some folks here might be bitter/jealous given that they hate the 76ers and invested a lot of time writing Embiid off as a bust, but it's an incredible story. You probably put Embiid on the cover of the half-year review book. No surprise he dominates an "Around the NBA" discussion.
Honorable mention - The rise of Harden/Westbrook - Kind of foresaw both with the Houston coach change and Durant leaving, but I find both less interesting. First, I still see Westbrook as the most overrated player in the league. His stats get inflated for a number of reasons. Triple doubles aside, I see him on a par with Damian Lillard. Harden is better and Houston is exceeding expectations so maybe we are not giving them enough credit. I think it's partially because we know how d'antoni's style inflates player stats so this was kind of expected. His teams always do better in the regular season.