Michael Carter-Williams the 6 foot 6 22 year old out of Syracuse University. In Michael Carter-Williams first game as a rookie he had 22 points, 7 rebounds, 9 steals, and 12 assits. Going into the season the 76ers weren't even expected to win 10 games with record projections as low as 9-73. Michael Carter-Williams wasn't even expected 10 points and 5 assits and now 4 games into the season Carter-Williams is averaging 19.8 points per game 7.6 assits 3 steals per game and a great three point percentage of 35.7%. Carter Williams says that every time he steps onto the floor he wants to prove he should've been the first overall pick and he's done just that. Carter-Williams set a record with 9 steals in his first game as a rookie and became the first rookie since Shaquille O'Neal in 1992 to win Eastern Conference Player of the week.
On the draft day trading up for Nerlens Noel the 6th pick from the New Orleans Pelicans the inexperienced rookies Noel and Carter-Williams were expected to do nothing in the NBA. Nerlens Noel had just come off of an ACL injury and Michael Carter-Williams only upside was his outstanding defense. Before the start off the season the 76ers decided to sit out Nerlens Noel which made it seem like it was going to be a nightmare of a season for the 76ers. Now for the 76ers lineup you have a Rookie point guard with barely and upside, a former number 2 overall pick who had never been able do anything with his career in Evan Turner and other medi-oker players you hear of only if you follow all teams in the NBA.
Everything started to change for the 76ers as soon as they stepped onto the floor against the defending champions the Miami Heat. Evan Turner formerly known as one of the biggest busts in NBA history is now averaging All Star numbers with 22.2 points 5.4 rebounds 3.4 assits and 1.6 steals. Is there any explanation as to how the 76ers are playing so well? The 76ers are now 3-2 losing their last two games but the 76ers are still contenders in the Eastern Conference.
If the 76ers make the Playoffs they will be successful. Yes they are inexperienced but i have faith in this young 76ers team. They won't make the NBA finals but I know they will make it to the Conference Semi-Finals. This may sound crazy but this is clearly a breakout year for Evan Turner and Carter-Williams is playing like on of the best point guards in the league right now. This puts him up there with the great point guards in the league such as Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, Steph Curry and other great point guards in the league.
The 76ers will not only be good this year but for the years as this era of a young team will continue. The 76ers sat out one of their top picks in the year and are still doing great for where they should be. The 76ers although inexperienced can make strides in the playoffs almost as if they are a younger version of the Golden State Warriors a young team that was doubted in the Playoffs but took the outstanding San Antonio Spurs to 6 games in the Conference Semi-Finals. The 76ers are great and as I see them grow Philadelphias fan base for this will as well, to say the least, I'm excited to see this team for now and beyond.
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