Fultz: 'For sure' 76ers will make playoffs this year

Markelle Fultz is doubling down on his proclamation that the Philadelphia 76ers will be making the playoffs in 2017-18, refusing to back off his prediction when asked Thursday by a participant at a 76ers camp whether Philly would qualify next season.

"For sure. Easy this year," Fultz said. "Remember I said that, too."

While the top half of the Eastern Conference remains strong with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards, and Toronto Raptors all projected to be in the mix, the final four seeds feel more up for grabs with the likes of Paul George, Paul Millsap, and Jimmy Butler heading to the West. This could create an opening for Philadelphia - which hasn't appeared in the playoffs since 2012 - to sneak in.

Neither Fultz nor last year's No. 1 overall pick Ben Simmons has yet to see a minute of NBA action, and Joel Embiid hasn't proven he can maintain a clean bill of health. Those three comprise head coach Brett Brown's core group, so while it looks like there will be more wiggle room in the East, the 76ers are still a young team that hasn't developed a lick of on-court chemistry yet.

That's certainly not stopping Fultz, though, who's now a part of an organization that's gone a combined 75-253 since 2013.