The Philadelphia 76ers finished the 2022-23 NBA season with a 54-28 record. That mark represents the team's highest win total since the 2000-01 season — the last time that the franchise advanced to the NBA Finals. This year, similar playoff results are expected, and as a result, the Sixers enter the postseason facing a whole lot of pressure, both collectively and individually. 

As a team, the Sixers are one of the league's oldest and most storied franchises, but they haven't made it out of the Eastern Conference since 2001, as mentioned, and they haven't hung a championship banner since 1983 — before a prominent percentage of the current fanbase was even born. 

The organization underwent the most controversial rebuilding strategy in recent memory, and Philly fans and skeptics alike are impatiently waiting for "The Process" years to yield something greater than a second-round exit. The frustration in the city will be palpable with another early postseason goodbye. Plus, there's always the concern that key contributors could grow frustrated with continued disappointments in April and May. 

The Sixers also have a payroll north of $150 million this season, and it's safe to say that the heat is on. As a well-regarded and widely respected executive who has yet to construct a championship roster, president of basketball operations Daryl Morey will shoulder a lot of that organizational pressure. 

Then there's the players. James Harden has established himself as one of the best — and most productive — offensive players ever, and he has the hardware to prove it. Harden is a 10-time All-Star, a three-time scoring champ, a former MVP, and he's a shoo-in to be a first ballot Hall of Famer when he ultimately calls it a career. However, despite all of his success, he has developed a reputation as an underwhelming postseason performer.