Didn't last years squad suck early on in the season as well?
I know there was some stat site that said the Sixers were supposed to be good last year... but they started Green and Evans. That was having the NBA's worst starters at 2/5 positions, and then you throw in Sam, who you can't let touch the ball. There was every reason for THAT team to start out horribly. They turned it around when the put Thad out as a starter.
This team was supposed to be good. Heck, at very least they should have a mismatch in the post on offense with either Miller, Thad, iguodala or Brand- but apparently they feel posting up smaller guards is dishonorable, or just not part of the offense.
Likewise, the defense was suposed to be long and active on the wings, with good rebounders and shot blockers in the lane. Of course that is moot when you can't guard a pick and roll at any level.