The biggest blockbuster to emerge from the current NBA offseason remains LeBron James’ decision to move to the Philadelphia 76ers as a free agent. Philadelphia had already added Jaylen Brown to a roster that included Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and VJ Edgecombe.
Now, after James’ signing, Kevin Durant believes the 76ers are on the verge of taking the NBA by storm. The Houston Rockets star went into detail about James’ mindset, revealing exactly why he thinks the four-time champion will be able to put together a ‘winning basketball team.’
Kevin Durant Explains Why He Believes LeBron James Will Thrive With the 76ers
There is little doubt that James’ arrival has singlehandedly transformed the 76ers into one of the most-stacked teams in recent NBA history.
Durant, who recently sat down for a chat on “The Boardroom Podcast,” not only believes the 76ers are more stacked than his own 2016 Golden State Warriors, but also claims that Philadelphia will be a juggernaut.
“That’s going to be a juggernaut,” he said. “He understands how to put a winning basketball team together. He’s been in the league for 24 years. He should know how to understand how to do that. And then he knows how to put himself in position to be successful. And I feel like for him to take a minimum says a lot about his mindset and how he’s going to come into the team.”
At age 41, James will be well aware that he is unlikely to be the team’s first option in most games. LeBron showed a willingness to be the Los Angeles Lakers’ third option at times last season behind Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic, and is likely to take on a similar role in Philadelphia as well.
Durant believes that James will be the ‘connector,’ whose role will keep changing, something which may ring true for the rest of the 76ers’ main cast as well.
“And they need a connector of guy, somebody that understands like, ‘all right, everybody’s not going to average 25 points on this team,’” Durant said. “But it’s going to be nights you going to be the man. It’s going to be nights where you got to be the second guy, but it’s going to be moving parts throughout the whole season. Everybody’s role is going to change. And I think LeBron understands that.”
LeBron’s move to the 76ers undoubtedly comes down to the best basketball fit, as well as his desire to win another championship. While Durant rightly does not expect him to be the main man, James’ basketball IQ and ability to bring out the best in his teammates are tried and tested.
If Embiid stays healthy and the 76ers’ main cast buys into the flexible approach Durant described, they surely have the talent to go all the way.
