Are the Sixers legit?

Are the sixers legit? They just destroyed the hawks and have been in every game they played, even against the best of the best... They started the season horribly but have rebounded tremendously.. A lot of the early season loses came against terrible teams, which may have been growing pains.. Elton Brand has been very solid this year, nearly his old self.. So what do you think. Give me solid reasoning..