76ers Veteran Reveals Unusual Key to Philadelphia Finding Success

The Philadelphia 76ers have so much riding on this season.

The team has been projected to finish in the top 5 in the East, potential favorites to win the NBA Finals, and could be the best offense in the NBA. But, in order for that to happen, they have to learn to trust one another.’

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has been the voice to echo those same sentiments. In fact, he told a reporter that if they want to be successful, they have to learn to like each other. Which, when you really think about it, is kind of an odd thing to say. Wouldn’t most teams have players who like one another? How can you win when you can’t stand the person you share the floor with? It’s actually more common than you think, but that’s not this team. 

Caldwell-Pope also said in order to make that happen, they would have to spend time outside of the basketball court and just do things that build chemistry. Chemistry here is the keyword. This word has been thrown around quite a bit lately, and it’s something that can’t be ignored. We’ve seen the workout videos and all the smiling on the court, but what difference does it make if it doesn’t translate to winning?

It’s understandable that the team contributes chemistry to success, but there’s still no truth that it’s the deciding factor. There should be other contributing factors, like not turning the ball over or playing a little tighter defense when it calls for it. 

This preseason has given fans slight optimism, but there have been quite a few side eyes when you look at what the team hasn’t done. Seeing all the starters on the floor was all fine and dandy until they got blown out by the Boston Celtics. The notion that it’s preseason is only going to get you so far.

Maybe team chemistry is the way to go, and it’s going to be the thing that gets the people going. Hey, Tyrese Maxey has a great connection with LeBron James, while VJ Edgecombe is building one with Jaylen Brown, so hey, maybe Caldewell-Pope is on to something. Not sold on it, but that’s fine; only time can truly tell what can happen with this team.

The fact of the matter is it’s already a weary feeling considering injuries have already been an attention-grabber for this team. SO, chemistry can either build up this team, or it changes nothing, and we could see a team debacle. It's a game of tug of war, and it’s going to be a battle all season long.