After Joel Embiid had some poor luck at the NBA draft reveal, but started showing major interest in Markelle Fultz anyway, this trade came out of the woodwork.

With this trade, it is pretty apparent that the 76ers are going to take Fultz. Although it never seemed as though anyone else could go first overall in the draft, the only thing this changes, is where he is going.

With all this being said, let's take a look at how the Sixers should fare next year.

76ers next year

With Fultz surely coming to Philly, the 76ers will be able to boast not only Fultz as a top young talent but also Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. Although Ben Simmons wasn't able to strut his talent last year, let's not forget just how good the top overall pick of the 2016 draft truly is. Anyone who doubts Simmons ability is clearly forgetting what a phenomenal player he is. Although he wasn't able to touch the court in a professional manner this year, through interviews and videos, you can see that he has what it takes to make it in the league.

On the flip side, a piece that the 76ers have that we now know can make it in the league is Joel Embiid.

Perhaps it took him a few years to even see real game minutes, but man did he take full advantage of them this season. Only averaging 25 minutes per game in all 31 games he made an appearance in, he was able to average: 20.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.5 blocks, and 2.1 Assists Per Game. Those statistics had anyone who was doubting "the process" think twice.

Although I wouldn't list him as a potential star just yet, another talking point the Sixers have is Dario Saric. Heavily talked about in the rookie of the year debate, Saric came onto the scene and was pretty good for the 76ers. He averaged 12.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and .4 blocks per game. This is certainly nothing to squawk at, especially from a rookie.

However, despite all this, the Sixers still came in second to last in an extremely lackluster eastern conference. Will adding Markelle Fultz truly help?

What Markelle Fultz adds

It is no secret that the 76ers have needed a point guard for just about forever. Continuing to add big men year after year had many Philly fans pulling their hair out of their head. However now it seems they have a plan in mind, and it involves finally drafting a high-caliber point guard. Fultz averaged 23.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game in his singular season as a Washington Husky. Although he didn't end up making the big dance, I don't think that plays into any of this. As mentioned previously, I believe he is still the most talented player in the draft.

The big kicker with adding Fultz is that Philly will be able to spread the wealth among some players now. Fultz will only elevate his teammates to a greater potential, so be on the lookout for higher production from players like Saric, Convington, and Stauskas. Furthermore, although Philly fans have been begging for a point guard, I believe this season they found a great element in TJ McConnell. Although he only averaged 6.9 points and 6.6 assists, he is a guy whose effort and dedication don't show up on the stat sheet. With Fultz coming in, it would presumably allow McConnell to spearhead the second unit, which I believe will be an extremely deadly second unit.

Bottom Line

Adding Fultz is no joke.

However with Embiid always potentially injury prone, and Simmons having his rookie year, I don't expect big things from the 76ers. If anything I expect them to be the young highlight reel team. As far as actual standings, I expect them to do better than this season, but not by much. I would say potentially 11th or 12th in the eastern conference at most. This is all if Fultz is able to stay healthy! Just about every draft pick that has gone to Philly eventually gets hurt - and most often in their rookie season. Either way, the season relies on guys staying healthy, which hasn't been Philly's pride and joy.
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