Kevin Durant Makes Sixers’ Championship Case After LeBron James’ Move, With 2017-18 Warriors Reference

Kevin Durant believes LeBron James' arrival makes the 76ers a championship contender.

Kevin Durant Makes Sixers’ Championship Case After LeBron James’ Move, With 2017-18 Warriors Reference

LeBron James and Kevin Durant (Image credits - Firstsportz)

LeBron James is coming off a historic 23rd season in the NBA. While many predicted that he would end his career with the Los Angeles Lakers after signing with them in 2018, he surprised everyone by parting ways this year.

This was the fourth time James has tested free agency. The following three were filled with nonstop rumors and reports regarding his future. In the end, he put an end to all the noise and announced that he would be joining the Philadelphia 76ers.

At a recent basketball event, Kevin Durant was asked if the 76ers are championship contenders next season after acquiring the King.

The last time they put three 20-point scorers on a team, they said it was unfair, which was the [Warriors] team I was on. They have got four 25-point scorers on this team. So, hell yeah, I think they’re going to be a contender.

Kevin Durant at a USA Basketball event

Kevin Durant knows a thing or two about playing alongside superstar players. When he joined the Golden State Warriors in 2016 on a three-year deal, they went on to play in the NBA Finals in all three years. They won back-to-back championships in 2017 and 2018.

The two-time champion believes that James joining the 76ers turned them into a superteam similar to the Warriors in 2017-18. The move sees James join forces with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown. He has played with several All-Star-caliber teammates throughout his career, but it is hard to argue against this Philly squad being the most talented team he has ever played in.

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Can the 76ers dominate like the Warriors in 2017-18?

LeBron James signed a two-year deal with the 76ers. On paper, they may have the most dominant starting five in the league as of today. While they are yet to play a game with each other, Durant’s comparing the team to the Warriors is not far-fetched.

LeBron James and Joel Embiid are now teammates
LeBron James and Joel Embiid are now teammates (Image via Eurohoops TR/X)

When Durant joined the Warriors, he joined a team with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Andre Iguodala. Curry was already a two-time MVP, Thompson was one of the best two-way players in the league and averaged 20+ points per game, while Green was an All-Star-level player.

That Warriors team was a juggernaut in the NBA, and the 76ers have the potential to do the same. Embiid is a former MVP, Maxey has grown into one of the best scoring guards in the league, and Brown is a former Finals MVP winner. Adding a player of James’ experience and IQ could only make the team better.

There may be some doubters as Embiid’s health and James’ age could play a factor in affecting their ambitions, but it is hard to argue against the talent on the team. It will take some time to build some team chemistry, but as Durant said, they are definitely going to be strong contenders to win it all next year.

Shaquille O’Neal is not optimistic about the 76ers after signing LeBron James

There have been superteams that have worked very well in the past, but there have been some that have failed miserably as well. The most notable one being the trio of Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden in Brooklyn. Sometimes, ego kicks in and does affect the team’s chemistry.

Former NBA champion and Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal believes the 76ers will not work because the city will ride for James if they win it all next year.

That’s why it’s not going to work, in my opinion. Tyrese Maxey just worked his a*s off to become the man, then Bron comes. Now we got Joel Embiid, it’s too many egos. Three or four people are going to have to say, ‘All right, you go.’ On paper, they look deadly, but I’m just trying to think ego-wise. Once I got my name for myself, I’m not stepping back for nobody.

Shaquille O’Neal on The Big Shaq podcast

It will be interesting to see who gets more of the ball in crunch time during the playoffs. Maxey and Brown both averaged over 28 points last season, while Embiid is a former MVP and scoring title winner. James may sit back and play a point guard’s role, as they will rely on his leadership and passing ability.

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