The Fan Hub

Are the Philadelphia 76ers a legitimate team that must be taken seriously? That has been a popular question throughout the opening month of the NBA season. Their unique, unselfish brand of basketball has been refreshing for the city and the sport, but whether it is sustainable remains to be seen.

The Sixers compiled a 10-3 record through their first 13 games, but the problem was they didn't really play anybody noteworthy. With a three-game slate against the Nuggets, Hawks, and Heat in succession, the team was finally ready for a test. These were true, established teams, that would the Sixers would face down the road in the playoffs.

The grade after this test: still incomplete. They displayed bright moments but also ugly ones.

Before the three games, the Sixers’ opponents this season had a combined record of 72-119. Denver, Atlanta and Miami's combined record was 35-15.

The team was downed in a hard-fought overtime battle against Denver last Wednesday in which former Sixer Andre Miller turned in a spectacular performance. Then after falling behind early to Atlanta, the Sixers responded by outscoring the Hawks 51-29 in the second half on their way to an easy win. Finally, their playoff foe from last year, the Miami Heat, proved too tough for them over the weekend in Philly’s biggest loss of the season, 113-92.

Spencer Hawes’ return should be a big boost. Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

It is worth noting that throughout the three games, the Sixers were without center Spencer Hawes, who has proven to be a valuable commodity this season. Hawes has seemingly transformed his game into an efficient low post scorer and capable rebounder. But in his absence, it was up to a vet with creaky knees in Tony Battie, and a rookie in Nik Vucevic to get the job done. They fell a little short.

One common theme in all three games was that whichever team won the rebounding battle came out on top. Denver’s Nene dominated the boards in the first game before the Sixers claimed the glass against an Al Horford-less Hawks team. The rebounding deficiency was extremely apparent though against the Heat. Miami outrebounded Philly by 21, and were very efficient from the field.

Not all is washed away though. They emerged still breathing, and seemingly a smarter team from each game.

Last year through 16 games, the 76ers were 3-13. This year through 17 they are 12-5.

They have shown an ability to take care of bad teams, and by take care, I mean rip their throats out. They have seven wins by more than 20 points, and all 12 of their wins have been by 10 points or more. Still, skepticism is present because of the lack of true competition. The team shouldn't be faulted though; they didn’t make the schedule.

Now they enter another lull with upcoming matchups against the Nets, Bobcats and Pistons. That stretch should amount to three easy victories. But then it gets interesting once again. Beginning January 30, the Sixers will face the Magic, Bulls, Heat, Hawks, Lakers, Spurs and Clippers, in what will be their most brutal 10-day stretch of the season. The one saving grace against such staunch opposition is that six of the seven games are on their home court, with only the Atlanta game taking place on the road.

Either way, this will be test number two. Or maybe the previous stretch was simply a pop quiz preparing the team for the upcoming slate. A further decision on their legitimacy will be easier to render following the next grouping of games.

Their unselfishness has been well-documented. On any given night, a different player has the potential to fill up the box score.

The Sixers have been successful for a variety of reasons. Since they have no superstars, or even stars, they have gotten by with intelligence and intensity. They play defense. They are well-coached. Their players fulfill the necessary niches. Their unselfishness has been well-documented. On any given night, a different player has the potential to fill up the box score.

Seven players average in double figures in scoring, but no one scores more than 15.5 points per game.

Jrue Holiday is a blossoming playmaker and contributor. Andre Iguodala is an elite defensive stopper who is dangerous in the open court. Lou Williams is a scorer in the truest sense off the bench. Jodie Meeks is the designated gunner. Elton Brand is the winding down vet, but still very reliable. Hawes is an improving big man who is finally tapping into his lottery pick potential. And though Evan Turner may never develop into a number one guy, he has displayed flashes of brilliance.

Is a championship in the cards? Most likely not. But the Philadelphia 76ers are going to scare the hell out of a lot of teams this season. They are unproven, but still pose a threat. Their next test is coming soon.