‘Championship or Bust’: President Daryl Morey Underlines Expectations from Philadelphia 76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers have been one of the most impressive teams in the NBA this season. After a disappointing playoff run in the 2019-20 season, the 76ers have turned it around. So far in the regular season, they have looked unstoppable.

A couple of changes in the front office have worked wonders for the side. The team brought in an experienced President of basketball operations in Daryl Morey. Morey, who was the GM at Houston Rockets, has been crucial in making some much needed changes in roster.

Morey recently made an appearance in the Stephen A. Smith show. The Sixers’ President of basketball operations talked about the expectations from the roster this season. He said, “I think we are pretty championship or bust.”

He continued, “Doc Rivers obviously has won a title, but I haven’t got there yet. Joel and Ben haven’t got there yet. You go into every season hoping to win a title. Not allowing other teams to have the choice.

“But obviously we still have a chance and we are gonna continue to work hard and so we get ourselves the best chance possible and I think we have a very good chance.”

Considering how lethal the side has looked, they surely are a big championship contender in East. Their performance against the champions yesterday was the testament to how good the 76ers can be. If they continue to steamroll the opposing teams, they can surely win the title.

How have the Philadelphia 76ers transformed into an Eastern Conference juggernaut

Philly, last season, had a talented group of players at their disposal. But these players didn’t fit. As soon as Morey became the President, he knew he had to change the system. First, he shipped out players like Josh Richardson and Al Horford. Then he addressed the problem area of the roster; the lack of shooters.

He immediately brought in Seth Curry and veteran Danny Green, who have occupied the starting lineup. With shooters in the team, the team has become much more balanced and provides others to flourish too.

Their other change was in coaching. Doc Rivers, who was coming off of a terrible series loss against the Nuggets, was hired by Morey. The coach has had a history of honing world class centers.

For now, that clearly has been the case. Playing through Joel Embiid has clearly worked for the 76ers, as the Cameroonian has been averaging MVP like numbers. In the 15 games he has played he has averaged 27.7 points, 2.8 assists, and 11.1 rebounds per game.

While Ben Simmons has continued to be a good facilitator, players like Tobias Harris have emerged as the third star in the offensive end. Harris currently is having a career year as he has averaged 20.1 points, 2.8 assists and 6.7 rebounds per game shooting 46.1% from the three point line.

The 76ers have looked like one of the most balanced rosters who can dominate at both ends of the court. Can they trump the champions, Los Angeles Lakers?