With 21-year-old rookie stat-stuffer Ben Simmons and 23-year-old All-Star starter Joel Embiid as cornerstones, the Philadelphia 76ers have one of the most exciting young cores in the NBA. Sprinkle in high-level role starters such as Dario Saric (23) and Robert Covington (27), and young bench contributors T.J. McConnell (25) and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (22) and there's reason for the optimism flowing through Philly, even with prized No. 1 pick Markelle Fultz yet to regain form.
The Sixers are competitive (No. 7 in the East) while still sitting on young talent and future assets.