Philadelphia 76ers: 5 Reasons Philly Needs To Keep Their Young Core Intact

The Sixers are a team on the rise, and that cannot be denied. In fact, they have 10 players on the roster under the age of 25 and Andre Iguodala who is just 27. Yet, some fans have the idea of blowing up the team, which I believe is absurd (maybe two years ago I would have).

The Sixers have a lot of talent on their hands and I know they are heading down the right path (we just have to hope they don't take a detour).

Although the future seems unclear, they have the right tools to construct a championship-contending team. Sure, they do not have their "superstar," but if Evan Turner turns out to be a gem, I do not see why the team would not hold onto these players.

Can't Mess Up the Chemistry

There is no doubt that the Sixers grew together substantially and developed great chemistry this past season. This chemistry is crucial and there is no reason to break that apart.

The players on the team now have potential to remain together for several years, which is a great thing. Teams that play together for a long time and get to know each other's style of play are the ones that usually win it all.

The chemistry the Sixers have put together is one of their biggest positives of last season—if not their biggest—and there is no reason to take it away.

Teams Are Getting Old

The Sixers are definitely one of the youngest teams in the league, and they should keep it that way.

The aging Boston Celtics will be done in a few years, leaving the Sixers to move up in the standings. As for the Knicks and Hawks, they are beginning to age as well and are two vulnerable teams that the Sixers can surpass.

The youth of this team will serve as an advantage now and for years to come.

Lots of Talent

Maybe you cannot see it now, but this team has a lot of talent.

Jrue Holiday is poised to become a top-eight point guard in a couple of years and Evan Turner could be a star.

As for Andre Iguodala, whether you like him or not, he comes with a unique skill set that you cannot find in most players these days. He is only 27, plays tremendous defense, runs the floor like a true wingman and facilitates the offense beautifully.

Jodie Meeks and Lou Williams have great shots, and Thaddeus Young is arguably the best sixth man in the league. Sure, they need help at the center position, but that will be their focus from here and on.

Potential Is High

Say what you want about Evan Turner, but he will turn out to be close to, if not, an All-Star (and Most Improved Player of the Year next season).

When given a good amount of playing time, Turner can shine and we saw glimpses of that last season.

As for the rest of the players, the potential is there too. I already gave you my prediction on Holliday as being a top-eight point guard; Jodie Meeks made a huge jump in improvement in just one season of work; and Lou Williams established himself this year that he can score at will and can come up clutch.

Nikola Vucevic, the newly drafted center out of USC, has finally brought the team a low-post presence. Whether or not he can succeed is still unclear, however, he has shown he can shoot and use his body well in post moves and fadeaway jumpers (Dirk-esque).

It cannot be denied that this team has a lot of potential and can be at best a fourth seed in the playoffs next season.

What's There To Get?

People propose the fact of "blowing up" the team, but honestly, what is out there that the Sixers can get that is (potentially) better than what they have?

I can answer that question: nothing.

Even trading Andre Iguodala, for example. As much as I originally wanted to trade him, I do not think the rumored players around him, Monta Ellis and Chris Kaman, will be better for Philadelphia.

True, Ellis is a great scorer, but we downgrade significantly in defense.

As for trading the young talent, no way would I trade that unless I would be getting an established player in return, which is highly unlikely.

Don't expect any deals to go down unless Iguodala is involved, but that is still doubtful considering the rumors have died down.

Conclusion

Sixers fans, don't be discouraged by the somewhat-unclear future that seems heading their way because the talent this team contains is definitely reassuring. But the only way it remains reassuring is if they keep their young core intact.

In one year, the Sixers turned around from being one of the worst teams in the league (27-55) to a playoff team (41-41). There is certainly more they can do in the following years as they can only get better. At best, they could be a fourth seed in the playoffs, which is very good considering the other teams in the conference.

Without a doubt, the talent this teams proposes is promising and if the chips are played right over the next couple years, expect the Sixers to be a contending team.