Philadelphia 76ers

A franchise steeped in great basketball moments, the Philadelphia 76ers have been a staple of mediocrity since their 2001 NBA Finals visit with the Shaq and Kobe Lakers. Though Allen Iverson hasn't been with the team since 2006 (save for a 25-game victory lap in 2010), his void is still felt as the team perennially lacks a number one option of his caliber. They're currently tied to two pairs, representing the old and new guard: Elton Brand/Andre Iguodala, and Jrue Holiday/Evan Turner.

Iguodala has been the subject of trade rumors since the Renaissance but has mercilessly stayed on the team despite constant fan grumblings that he's not worth his contract. Adept at all aspects of basketball save for a reliable jump shot, Andre rubs many the wrong way because of his lack of personality with the media and inability to score 20 a night. Brand, signed from the Clippers in the David Falk fiasco, has been solid but not the piece management hoped would push them over the top. Both of these contracts expire in the next two years if Andre doesn't pick up his option.

Holiday represents a beacon of hope for Sixers fans who desire a true point guard. Lacking a really good one (excluding Iverson) since Dana Barros or even as far back as Mo Cheeks, the charming UCLA grad exudes potential and promise. In an age where franchise point guards are a necessity, Jrue seems to fit the bill. Evan Turner has not done as much to draw the delight of the fans. The 2010 #2 overall pick and a notoriously slow starter, "The Villain" had a rough go of it in his rookie season. There were flashes of promise as the year went on, but a big sophomore campaign would do well to stoke the embers of a contending team in a few years.

Led by coach Doug Collins, who took an overachieving team to a first round battle against the Miami Heat, the Sixers shower the fans with promises of promises that the future is bright. With Turner and Jrue in the fold along with the restricted free agent Thaddeus Young and Jodie Meeks, there's a youthful core in tact that could potentially grow into something special. But the lack of a true superstar is evident and could potentially keep this team at dreaded mediocrity for years to come. A lot hinges on the new ownership group coming in and whether Josh Harris will supplant the Thorn/Stefanski sitting ducks with his own people.

How the organization will be run and what philosophical changes will be made remain to be seen. Until then, the city's collective fingers are crossed that Turner and Holiday form a dynamic backcourt that can vault this team out of the mediocrity muck.