3 weaknesses of the Philadelphia 76ers that could be used against them in the 2021-22 NBA season

Drama has surrounded the Philadelphia 76ers, as they are yet to resolve an issue that could significantly impact their 2021-22 NBA campaign. Nevertheless, they have gone about their business in the preseason fixtures, splitting a two-game series against the Toronto Raptors.

The Philadelphia 76ers look sharp ahead of the 2021-22 NBA season. They will hope to continue playing with the same intensity throughout the season with the hope of hoisting the Larry O'Brien trophy. They have failed to advance past the conference semi-finals since the 2001 season, though.

Another early exit would break the hearts of Philly fans. But the Philadelphia 76ers are not even in the conversation about the teams that would represent the East in the Conference Finals. While they look like a well-balanced team, there are several weaknesses that others teams could take advantage of in the 2021-22 NBA season.

On that note, here are three weaknesses of the Philadelphia 76ers that could be used against them in the 2021-22 NBA season.

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#1 The Philadelphia 76ers could miss Ben Simmons' defense and distribution

Ben Simmons (#25) of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball.

The Ben Simmons-Philadelphia 76ers stand-off is still ongoing. As a result, uncertainty still surrounds the future of the 2016 NBA draft's first overall pick.

Simmons has made it clear that he will not be suiting up for the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2021-22 NBA season. Without the All-Star guard, the Sixers may need to find a suitable replacement quickly.

Matisse Thybulle has shown flashes of brilliance at both ends of the court, and could be called upon to fill the void as the point guard for the Philadelphia 76ers. While Thybulle is an exciting prospect, Simmons' shoes would be big ones to fill.

Simmons has been the Philadelphia 76ers' best defender for the past two seasons. He was the runner-up for the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year award, finishing behind the Utah Jazz's Stifle Tower, Rudy Gobert. While Thybulle might be difficult to shake off, he does not bring the same versatility and physical presence as Simmons in defense.

When it comes to orchestrating the offense, not many are more skilled than Big Ben. In the four seasons he has played with the Philadelphia 76ers, Simmons has averaged 7.7 assists per game.

Although they have elite-level scorers in the team, scoring might be a lot more difficult without Simmons, as they'd have to work a tad harder for their shots.

#2 Joel Embiid's absence

Joel Embiid (#21) of the Philadelphia 76ers sits out of a preseason game against the Toronto Raptors.

Joel Embiid is an absolute force in the paint and has been an anchor for the Philadelphia 76ers team at both ends of the court for the last four years.

However, he was unavailable for the first two years of his career due to injury. and has constantly been sidelined in his playing years. The most he has featured in a season for the 76ers was 64 games, which came during the 2018-19 campaign.

Last season, the Philadelphia 76ers had a 39-12 record with Embiid on the floor and went 10-11 without him. That was even when they had another force of nature in Dwight Howard.

With Howard leaving to re-join the LA Lakers, the Philadelphia 76ers went in search of another big man. Fortunately, Andre Drummond was a free agent following his stint with the Lakers, and was courted by the Sixers.

Nevertheless, their struggles could continue without Embiid on the court. The Philadelphia 76ers will look to redeem themselves in the 2021-22 NBA season following a disappointing second-round exit against the Atlanta Hawks in the 2021 playoffs. They would be rather unlucky if they have to play a playoff series without Embiid.

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#3 The Philadelphia 76ers do not take good care of the ball

Seth Curry (#31) of the Philadelphia 76ers drives against Goran Dragic (#7) of the Toronto Raptors.

Ranked 21st after averaging 14.4 turnovers per game, it is glaring why this should be a major concern for the Philadelphia 76ers. Although teams have failed to punish them more often because of their defensive efforts, things might change in the 2021-22 NBA season.

Simmons was a huge factor in their transition defense, so his absence could open things up for opposing offenses. He has been exceptional running the floor for the Philadelphia 76ers and suppressing fast-break opportunities.

Last season, the 76ers finished second in defensive rating. So a drop is anticipated if they lose their primary defender. If the 76ers turn the ball over as many times as they did last season, they will likely concede more points than they did last campaign.