What happens if LeBron James joins new-look 76ers? ‘We’re going to be even better’
LAS VEGAS — Mike Gansey and the Philadelphia 76ers don’t have an inkling which way the LeBron James leaves are turning. The Sixers, led by their new President of Basketball Operations, are among several teams that have aggressively pursued James. But even though his roster has already improved significantly on paper this offseason, Gansey’s eyes lit up at the thought of adding the four-time champion.
“If he decides to come here, we’re going to be even better,” Gansey told The Athletic on Monday morning.
Over the last few weeks, the 76ers have had several conversations with James’ representation, led by Rich Paul. In a move first reported by The Athletic, Philadelphia initially reached out to Paul when Gansey and general manager Jameer Nelson spun the trade that brought Jaylen Brown to the Sixers from the Boston Celtics.
Like many of the teams known to be on James’ preferred list, the 76ers can offer a starting spot, ample playing time and the opportunity to continue an incredible legacy. They can also offer a natural fit for James as a playmaking power forward, and a roster that has a real need for his skill set, as James is one of the best passers in NBA history.
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“We’ve had conversations with Rich, really since the Jaylen trade,” Gansey told The Athletic. “LeBron and his camp have kept quiet, and there has been speculation for different teams. But we’d obviously love to have LeBron. I respect the heck out of him. In my opinion, he’s the best player of all time. I think his decision is dragging out because he has a lot of good options and he wants to figure it out. He would obviously add a lot to our team. But at the end of the day, I know he’s going to make the right decision for him and his family.”
The appeal for Philadelphia, from a basketball standpoint, is straightforward and multi-pronged.
With Brown, Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid on the roster, James would finally have the chance, at the ripe age of 41, to be a blender and not have to shoulder the bulk of offensive responsibility. And with Brown, VJ Edgecombe and Dean Wade on the roster, James would also be insulated from defending on the perimeter at a high volume. He could come in, be a playmaker and affect games from multiple angles, all while conserving energy for a deep playoff run.
A Sixers team without James would have one of basketball’s best starting lineups. With James, there wouldn’t be much doubt in that department. Still, the Sixers know they have real competition for James’ services. The Cleveland Cavaliers are thought to be a favorite. The Miami Heat have a real chance as well. The Golden State Warriors would offer James the opportunity to play with close personal friends Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. The Minnesota Timberwolves make the same kind of basketball sense for James that the 76ers do.
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Gansey has extensive experience with James. He was in the Cavaliers’ front office when Cleveland won the title in 2016. In Gansey’s playing days, the two were on an all-state team together in Ohio, with a clean-cut, teenage Gansey posing with LeBron and the other all-staters for a photo.
“Those years I had with him in Cleveland were incredible,” Gansey said.
That’s one of the things that isn’t talked about as much when it comes to Philadelphia’s candidacy, but the 76ers have several personal connections to James that could matter. James has had a long relationship with Maxey, and the two have a mutual admiration. Maxey and Philadelphia head coach Nick Nurse are also Klutch clients with James. Nelson and James played against each other for years in the NBA.
It’s a relationship business, and the Sixers have relationships. How much will it mean? The optimism is cautious. But their hat is in the proverbial ring and awaiting a decision.
‘”I think it’s been fun,” Edgecombe said. “It’s LeBron James, at the end of the day. To me, he’s the greatest player of all time. So, it would be amazing if he decided to come and play with us. Our goal is to win a championship. If we do get him, we’ll be happy. If not, we’ll still be happy. But it would be great if we do get him.”