10 Reasons to Be Optimistic After Philadelphia 76ers Take First in Atlantic

Why should Philadelphia 76ers fans be optimistic about their team's fresh look on the Eastern Conference scene early in the 2011-12 NBA season? How dare you be optimistic, Philly fan.

After all, the team hasn't won a title since the 1983 title was won by Philly. And the Phillies, Eagles and Flyers can boast better attendance over the last few years.

I know, the season is just getting underway, but Sixers fan can say: "Hey, forget about it. The Sixers and their coaching staff are providing plenty of reasons for optimism. Now, go make me a cheesesteak and slice me a piece of cake."

What are some of those specific reasons, you ask, for caked-on optimism?

Join me now to find out why the hug-athon, the positive vibrations and the optimism are shining on the 76ers. Lights, camera and action...

10. Ticket Sales Looking Up

For one, the first home game this season almost sold out. Cheese. But considering attendance last year, optimism catalyzed by boosted attendance at Wells Fargo goes without saying.

But could it be the celebrity status of the new owners, or reconnecting with fans and old school players that has attendance booming at Sixers games? Cheese. Whatever it is, the new ownership group is smiling like they were on candid camera.

To be candid, the team deserved better support than they got for most of last season. The 76ers have an exciting, young and rising team. And to Will and Jada Smith's delight, the Sixers are gaining even more respect throughout the NBA. Cheese.

9. Evan Turner’s Confidence is Growing

After working with shot doctor Herb McGee last summer, Evan Turner’s confidence and his jumper are much improved—along with his smile. Cheese.

Maybe his often broken jumper from last year was all wrong due to a confidence factor, but whatever the reason—it’s now all game from mid-range for Turner. And that bodes well for an optimism boost for fans of the first-place 76ers.

8. The Bench Remains Elite of the NBA's Best Reserve Corps

A big reason for the 76ers position in the standings is the play of the reserves. The 76ers led the league last year in bench scoring and could go back-to-back.

"Sweet Lou" Williams is a leading candidate for Sixth Man of the Year.

The bench has been so good that the reserves could probably sweep the Sixth, Seventh and Eight Men of the Year awards if those honors existed. In theory, NBA benches will be the deciding factor in a lot of NBA games this shortened season.

Optimistic advantage: 76ers.

7. Nickola Vucevic Has Been Impressive

Even with Philly's stacked lineup and long line of outstanding reserves, the 6'10" Vucevic's impressive play since preseason has forced Doug Collins to squeeze him in. As a rookie off the bench, Nick should be proud.

Philly fans should be optimistic about the fact the Sixers starting big man has taken pride in his own play, conditioning and enthusiasm. Perhaps Spencer Hawes' improvement has something to do with the impressive rookie Vucevic.

6. Spencer Hawes is Balling out

Whatever the reason for Hawes' balling out, don't call it a comeback. He's an NBA player. Call it a revival of the days that got him to the NBA.

Although he's been a target for frustration release among fans, Hawes has a smooth release from 17 feet on his jump shot from any angle. He blocks a few shots, rebounds and gets assists.

Jrue Holiday is looking for assists towards Hawes. Spencer is looking for Holiday. They are clicking so well that sometimes it's been Hawes out and Holiday in.

5. Jrue Holiday Limiting Turnovers

Holiday started the first two games by turning the ball over like hot apples. He's gotten it together, though, and is playing like the potential perennial All-Star in a crowded Eastern Conference point guard pecking order that some experts say he could become.

Jrue averaged almost seven assists last year. And, his left-handed swing cross court pass is being perfected. More importantly, Holiday hasn't been on vacation when it comes to protecting the ball.

If he does that all season, then Sixers will get optimism rolling.

4. The Atlantic Division

In the rolling Atlantic Division early, it appears that neither the Celtics, Knicks nor Raptors can match the 76ers' balance. The Nets, meanwhile, don't count as an NBA team yet this year. Maybe next year, New Jersey.

Now about Boston. They've been mediocre since Kendrick Perkins left. The Celtics' window is closing faster than it's opening.

The Knicks have been wide open on offense in the Mike D'Antoni era, but their defensive lanes to the basket are typically wide open. Philadelphia's defense, meanwhile, is smothering.

As for the Raptors, the Sixers absolutely ran them out of the Wells Fargo Center in South Philly hours ago. Optimistic yet?

3. The Upcoming Schedule

Philadelphia's upcoming schedule lends to extreme optimism, especially in the wake of what the 76ers did on the road.

After going 3-2 on the road, winning four games in a row and taking a 1.5 game lead on the Celtics, the 76ers ended last week at 5-2. Now the Sixers will play 16 of their next 20 at Wells Fargo.

Fans should be optimistic about the chance of the 76ers building on, solidifying and sustaining their fast early start.

2. The Winning Streak

Philadelphia's dance team has had a reason to step with more pep, as the home team is in the midst of winning four games in a row.

While the Sixers haven't exactly been defeating world beaters, the 76ers are beating teams they're supposed to.

Maybe the Sixers' packing up, hitting the road and getting together during the lockout for at least one team workout is paying dividends.

1. Doug Collins: NBA Coach of the Year Candidate Early

Head coach Doug Collins, far right, is reaping the dividends of the 76ers being one of the NBA's top five defensive units.

At the same time, the 76ers are one of the very elite scoring teams in the fourth quarter.

For this, Collins is an NBA Coach of the Year leading candidate.

These have been the candidates for the reasons to be optimistic about the Philadelphia 76ers. Catch me next time as I announce my candidacy for president of the Sixers Optimist Club. This has been Lake Cruise reporting live on Lake's Positive Vibration Breakdown.