I was just reminded that the worst thing about Philly is the effect they have on others.
Somebody at a Knicks blog wrote that it was okay that Philly stunk for so long because they'll be elite "for a generation" with Embiid and Simmons. But how many titles did OKC win with Durant and Westbrook? In the best possible world where Embiid and Simmons become all NBA players and they get another superstar in the lottery this year, they'll really have not have a few years before the salary cap and luxury tax starts to cripple their ability to put a roster together.
Of all the problems with the Hinkie plan, one of the most overlooked is that almost all great teams are built with guys playing on contracts below their value. Wade, LeBron and Bosh all took less than the max. So did Pierce, KG and Ray. Golden State could't have gotten Durant even with the cap increase if Curry wasn't on a bargain deal. When they have to resign those two, they will have to lose Livingston, Iguodala and basically anyone who won't play for next to nothing in NBA terms.
Are Embiid and Simmons going to take less than the max?
Mike