NBA 2018/19: 3 things that we have learned from the Philadelphia 76ers season so far 

After years of tanking, the Philadelphia 76ers are finally contenders again. Before the team's reemergence last season, the Sixers were the laughing stock of the NBA and the team hit the lowest of lows as they finished the 15/16 season with a 10-72 record. Despite this, Philadelphia fans that trusted 'The Process', have finally been rewarded with a team that they can get behind.

Last season, the 76ers made the playoffs for the first time since 2012, although the organization was aware that it was a year too early to make a major splash in the postseason.

The 18/19 season is a different story. Ben Simmons is no longer a rookie, Joel Embiid is an established All-Star and the team has also added a third star in Jimmy Butler. The 76ers will be confident of going all the way to the 2019 NBA Finals, and here we will discuss the three main talking points of their season so far.

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#3 Joel Embiid continues to get better, but he is not yet a top 10 player

Embiid has continued to improve during the early stages of the 18/19 season

Joel Embiid has begun the 18/19 season in scintillating form, and the center was involved in the early MVP conversation. The 24-year-old was averaging nearly 30 points-per-game through 15 games, although the big man's stats have taken a small hit since the team added All-Star Jimmy Butler.

Embiid is averaging 26.4 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists-per-game, which are all career highs. While Embiid still has room to improve both his three-point shooting and his consistency, it is important to note that this is only the centers second full season in the NBA. Ultimately, if Embiid continues on his current projection, then he will be a top 10 player within the next 18 months.

#2 Jimmy Butler has improved the team

Jimmy Butler's arrival has elevated the Philadelphia 76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers were known to be looking for a second All-Star to partner with Joel Embiid, and it didn't take the franchise long to pull off a deal. Jimmy Butler's early-season issues with both the Minnesota Timberwolves and Andrew Wiggins were well documented, and the Sixers swooped in to take advantage of the situation.

The organization had to give up Jerryd Bayless, Robert Covington, Dario Šarić and a 2022 second-round draft pick in return for the four-time All-Star, although the gamble looks to have paid off. The team's win percentage has increased since Butler's arrival, and the 29-year-old has already scored 38 points in back to back games against the Pistons and Warriors.

The All-Star has also quickly developed an understanding with Ben Simmons, and Butler's experience could prove crucial for a young team during the postseason.

#1 Markelle Fultz has no future with the team

Fultz's career in Philadelphia already looks to be over

It is fair to say that Markelle Fultz had a difficult first season in the NBA. The youngster was widely ridiculed for his shooting motion, failed to make a three-pointer, and he finished the season averaging just 7.1 points, 3.8 assists and 3.1 rebounds per game.

The 76ers had hoped that the 20-year-old would overcome his troubles this season, although the 2017 number one draft pick has once again struggled with both form and injuries. The guard is currently out for at least another two weeks due to injury, and Fultz's impact on the court has been minimal despite the youngster starting 15 games.

The Sixers seem happy to run with the trio Embiid, Simmons, and Butler, and Fultz could be moved on before the trade deadline, as the team needs to add more depth to their thin bench.