After another disappointing outcome in the playoffs, Mike Gansey and the Philadelphia 76ers wasted no time in attempting to bolster their roster to make a championship run next season.
As if trading a 36-year-old Paul George for a former Finals MVP in Jaylen Brown wasn’t enough, the Sixers went on to sign arguably the greatest player in NBA history in LeBron James.
Nick Nurse Reveals the Impact Of LeBron James Signing
While the trade for Brown played a huge part in bringing James to Philadelphia, there were several other factors that influenced his decision, including his respect for Tyrese Maxey and his fit with the lineup. Aside from the team itself, Nick Nurse was the only coach James met with prior to his decision, which only sweetened the pot for him.
After Philly signed James, Nurse spoke to John Clark of NBC Sports Philadelphia about the signing, saying, “I’m pretty sure every single person I’ve ever known has texted me or emailed me to say congrats. So that’s pretty cool.”
“I’m pretty sure every single person I’ve ever known has texted me or emailed me to say congrats. So that’s pretty cool.”
-Nick Nurse on getting LeBron James to sign with the Sixers. Nick gives us his pitch that he made to LeBron to sell him on coming to Philly and how he…
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) August 5, 2026
While this moment is especially important for Nurse as the head coach of the team, he’s also speaking for the majority of Sixers fans who have gotten the same texts and calls. Even so, for a coach to make a statement like this, it signifies just how big this signing is and how confident he is in the team’s abilities with James on the roster.
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Sixers’ rising star VJ Edgecombe has also instilled his confidence into his team, saying that this year is essentially a bust if they don’t win a championship. “It’s either a championship or we suck… I’m playing alongside great players, nobody has egos. We’ve all been in communication, so I’m really happy.” said Edgecombe.
VJ Edgecombe on the upcoming season for the 76ers:
“Championship or bust…it’s either a championship or they suck” pic.twitter.com/uDMtqwmCIl
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) August 4, 2026
From the coaching staff to the players, it appears that the team is on the same page. For a team that has a lot of questions surrounding their ability to gel, this is a great sign. If they’re able to display this type of unity on the court, it’s going to be very scary for opposing teams this season.
