The Sixers jumping the Eagles. It is a thought considered inconceivable just a short nine months ago. While the Eagles were fresh off a super bowl victory, the Sixers were middling around .500. They had yet to take off and come into their own. Fast forward nine months to the present, and the Sixers seem to be taking over the town.
For the record, Philadelphia will always be a football town. However, it’s been proven in the past that the Sixers can capture the heart of the city. I see no reason why it can’t happen again this year. With the way the Eagles are heading, the Sixers will be the vocal point of the sports scene come December and not the birds. The Eagles have almost an apathetic feel toward them right now. The secondary is crushed with injuries. The offense looks horrendous. Not for nothing, but last year us fans finally got the super bowl we have been craving for. The same hunger isn’t there, and may not return till next year. The Sixers on the other hand, have a different vibe going on.
Outside of the Markelle Fultz situation, everything surrounding the Sixers is positive vibes. Jimmy Butler’s Sixers debut was Comcast sportsnet’s highest rated Sixers game since 2001. Ratings that haven’t been seen since the heyday of the Iverson era. Butler and Simmons are both top 20 NBA players. Embiid is a generational talent who has the brightest personality the NBA has seen since Shaq. He is also playing at an MVP level right now. There is something captivating about this Sixers team. It is something that the 2017 Eagles had. It is something that the 2018 Eagles lack.
With all due respect to the Flyers, they aren’t where the Sixers are yet. The Phillies signing Bryce Harper would get them in the headlines for a day or two. However, barring a miracle run from the Eagles, it will be the Sixers dominating headlines from now until April. Who would’ve thought?
