The Philadelphia 76ers certainly have enough firepower to be a championship contender next season, but will their star-studded lineup produce when it matters most?
Last Friday, the 76ers shocked the world by agreeing to terms on a two-year, $8 million deal with LeBron James. According to reports, the 76ers really helped out their chances of landing the four-time MVP the moment they acquired Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics.
“The 76ers’ acquisition of Brown absolutely made a difference for them. Before that deal, it was unreasonable to believe they’d have made James’ top five destinations, much less been his choice,” ESPN's Brian Windhorst wrote. “If the Cavs had made that deal, which likely would’ve taken a package that included Mobley to get the Boston Celtics interested, it would’ve changed their hand.”
While fans are excited to see Brown and James work together in the City of Brotherly Love, some people are questioning if they'll be able to check their egos at the door.
© Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images.
According to ESPN insider Shams Charania, people close to Brown have said he's going to enter his new situation in Philly with an open mind.
"Jaylen Brown was the domino that led to LeBron James even thinking of Philadelphia," Charania said. "Jaylen Brown wanted LeBron James there, he did his part to recruit him there. You think about Jaylen Brown, VJ Edgecombe, Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, LeBron James - there's gonna be so much sacrifice that's gonna go into next season. And one person around Jaylen Brown told me today, he’s gonna approach this with no ego."
There were rumblings about Brown not being thrilled with his role on the Celtics. That had fans worried that he'd be against James joining the 76ers. After hearing these remarks from Charania, however, fans are convinced the All-Star swingman will work well alongside James in Philly.
"The discourse around him on the timeline has been so weird man," one fan wrote on X.
"Genuinely curious to see what this looks like. JB took a lot of slander this summer and will be out there to prove something," a second fan said. "Looking for him to be a defensive difference maker, that’s an area he can seriously help in with scaled-down usage."
"If this is true he just hated Jayson Tatum," another fan commented.
Who'll be willing to sacrifice?
Brown is coming off the best season of his career, averaging 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game. While he'll certainly play a huge role for the 76ers, we'd have to imagine his scoring will take a hit.
After all, the 76ers have an emerging talent in Tyrese Maxey. He averaged 28.3 points and 6.6 assists per game for Philadelphia this past season.
Of course, we can't ignore Joel Embiid and what he's capable of doing. Will the former MVP be willing to take a back seat at times?
If the 76ers can get everyone on the same page, they'll be a threat to win the Eastern Conference. That being said, there are no guarantees when it comes to the NBA.
