The Philadelphia 76ers enthusiastically prepare for the upcoming 2016-2017 NBA season

With+the+start+of+the+NBA+season+only+days+away%2C+the+Philadelphia+76ers+remain+hopeful+for+a+good+season.+

Courtesy of Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

With the start of the NBA season only days away, the Philadelphia 76ers remain hopeful for a good season.

Adam Dashevsky, Eastside Staff

This weekend, many people will be dressing up in costumes for the 2016 Halloween season, but, before then, 14 people in particular will be suiting up in uniforms for the 2016 Sixers season. Though both prospects have the potential of being frightening, we’re certainly hoping to enjoy more treats than tricks from the Sixers.

The Sixers finished last season as zombies, compiling just 10 game wins in all. Though the 72 game losses nearly sucked the life out of the young team, the Sixers were able to get the first pick in the NBA draft and another late first round pick.

From the draft, the Sixers acquired power forward, Ben Simmons, out of Louisiana State University (LSU) and small forward, Timothe Luwawu, from Serbia. However, Simmons suffered a severe injury during the preseason. The unexpected turn of events has wavered fans’ confidence in the team. Thankfully, Simmons is expected to return to play in January.

Coach Brett Brown said, “I was just getting excited about how soon [Simmons] might be able to come back.”

Ben Simmons has been compared to monster players like Lebron “King” James and Ervin “Magic” Johnson. These comparisons make Sixers fans scream with delight since Hall of Famer, Magic Johnson, dresses up with five championship rings, and Lebron James dresses up with three championship rings and counting.

On a more positive note, center Joel Embiid will be making his NBA debut Wednesday after being a virtual ghost since the 2014 draft as a result of being plagued with injuries. The Sixers have been using the catchy motto, “Trust the Process,” ever since the 2014 season began. And now, Embiid has been dubbed the nickname “The Process”.

“I can’t wait. [Wednesday’s] going to be my first official NBA game. I just can’t wait until I finally get that first game,” says Embiid in a statement to NBA.com.

The Sixers have been one of the worst teams in the NBA for the past couple of seasons, causing the fans to lose faith and trust in the team. Hopefully the talent-packed young team will shake off the old spider webs to become one of the teams to watch out for this season.

The Sixers opened their 2016 season in a 103-97 loss at home to Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder.