Philadelphia 76ers' Projected Starting Lineup After Al Horford Signing and Jimmy Butler Trade

Good luck scoring against the Philadelphia 76ers. After acquiring Josh Richardson from the Miami Heat in the deal that sent Jimmy Butler to South Beach while also luring Al Horford away from the Boston Celtics with a giant four-year contract, the Sixers could hypothetically field a lineup in which only one player is shorter than 6-foot-8. While they need some shooting more than any other team in the league, this Sixers lineup could bully their way to the Finals in 2020.

5. PG: Ben Simmons

Fresh off a season in which he made his first All-Star team while averaging 16.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game, the 6-10 Simmons earned a five-year, $170 million contract extension. Philadelphia's entire season hinges on Simmons developing ANY kind of jump shot, even if it's below average. If he can space the floor, expect Tobias Harris and Joel Embiid to prosper on offense. If he continues to drive to the paint and clog up the middle, expect a repeat of last year.

4. SG: Josh Richardson

While Butler may be gone, the Sixers managed to bring in the store brand version in Richardson. The former Tennessee Volunteer averaged 16.6 points per game last year, all the while shooting 36% from three on 6.3 attempts per game. If Richardson can continue to improve his defense on the wing, the 76ers could replace the production they lost when JJ Redick bolted to New Orleans.

3. SF: Tobias Harris

The two biggest issues with Elton Brand's offseason plan both involve Harris. First, Horford down low means Harris will have to play the 3 on the wing rather than his usual power forward spot. Second, the Sixers paid Harris $180 million over five years, good for $36 million annually, to be a third scoring option behind Embiid and Simmons. As risky as that is, Harris is an elite shooter than can handle the ball and score consistently from anywhere on the court, so it's hard to knock that signing.

2. PF: Al Horford

Some might question moving Horford, an unathletic big who played his entire career as a center, to the power forward spot, but the 76ers wouldn't give him $109 million to lead the second unit off the bench. Even when his offensive game is waning, his presence as a defender, rebounder and veteran leader can't be understated, and should work well on a young Philly team.

1. C: Joel Embiid

It's a two-horse race in the mythical "best big man in the game" race, and Embiid has stated his claim to that title with a tremendous 2018-19 season in which he averaged 27.5 points and 13.6 rebounds per game. While his shooting dipped and his health remains as much of a question mark as it was when he was drafted, the 76ers will only go as far as Embiid can take them.