NBA 2017/18 Preview: 5 bold predictions for the upcoming season

#4 Trust the Process - Philadelphia 76ers get back into the playoffs after five seasons

The 76ers finally are in a position to make their way back to the playoffs

The Philadelphia 76ers have been extremely patient in allowing their roster to develop slowly for the last three seasons. They have looked to develop a team full of young, elite talent and they now look like they are on the cusp of a few incredible seasons.

With elite prospects like Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons and Markelle Fultz in the team, apart from reliable veterans like JJ Redick and Jerryd Bayless, the 76ers should be a strong unit if they can remain consistent.

Playmaking duties will be shared by Simmons, Fultz and TJ McConnell, giving the team a plethora of ways in which to attack the basket. How Simmons and Fultz handle their rookie seasons and contribute will determine how the team progress.

The presence of bruising sophomore Dario Saric, Robert Covington and Jahlil Okafor will give the team good depth.

Coach Brett Brown has had a tough time in the last four years, guiding the franchise through seasons when accumulating talent in the draft was their only objective. After four years of tanking, he will be looking forward to getting his roster to compete.

Given the weak and lop-sided nature of the Eastern Conference, the city of Philadelphia are an outside bet to make the playoffs.