Embiid and Simmons have played how many games out of the games possible?
Embiid 31/164
Simmons 0/82
And how did the Sixers do this year?
28-54
Celtics?
53-29
Grass is always greener guys.
Even with the Celtics sitting on the top chances of the #1 overall pick in the draft.
To turn that around, the Sixers were able to go from 10 wins to 28 wins even though Embiid only played 31 games, Simmons played ZERO games and Bayless, an expected starter, only played 3 games. They had TJ McConnell, a 2nd year undrafted player, as their starting PG. Saric, Holmes and TLC showed significant improvement during the season. The Sixers have a chance to be much improved next season.
We do have the best chance at the #1 pick but even so that is only 25%. The Sixers have a 14.7% chance at the #1 pick. They also have a 53% chance of getting the Lakers pick (4th-6th).
Using Bayless as an argument means that it is very very weak.
Ignore everything else and just focus on Bayless. That's a very, very weak response. Even so, Bayless will be replacing Rodiguez which should be a significant improvement. Bayless shot 43.7 3P% when he was playing with Giannis. He ought to be a good fit with Simmons and Embiid.
In any case, Simmons and especially Embiid are the keys. With Embiid on court, the Sixers had a team +/- of 2.2 and def rtg of 99.1. With him off court, the Sixers team +/- was -6.5 and def rtg was 108.1. So if the Embiid can play 60 or so games that will make a huge difference for the Sixers. Then you add in Simmons playing, the improvement of their other young players Saric, Holmes, TLC and probably somewhat improved vets plus whoever they acquire in the draft (53.1% 2 top 7 picks, 39.5% 2 top 5 picks).
Simmons, Bayless, Covington, Saric and Embiid is not a bad starting lineup. However if I'm the Sixers, I'd try to trade for Butler (or possibly George). I'd also see about getting Lowry in free agency. He's a hardcore North Philly guy and the Raptors may get bounced in the 1st round with limited options to improve.