With the signing of Lebron James to a two-year deal ($8 million) there’s a lot of excitement around the 76’ers right now, more than there’s been in the 43 years since they last won an NBA title.
That excitement is justified. LeBron Raymone James is unquestionably one of the greatest players of all time.
Since being drafted number one out of high school he has been in the spotlight for 23 NBA seasons and scored an all-time best 43,440 points.
He’s won four NBA titles with three different teams, (Miami (twice), Cleveland, Los Angeles). His other accolades include four MVP award, 22 All-Star Game appearances, and on and on.
Some would list him among the top five players of all time. I wouldn’t, but if I’m putting a roster of 12 all-time greats together, James would be on it.
He has become a cultural icon and his arrival in Philadelphia energizes a franchise that has been lacking energy for some time.
But once the initial fireworks subside, it will be time for the Sixers and James to perform on the court. The possibilities are intriguing, with starting five that includes James, the recently acquired Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe and of course Joel Embid.
But there are potential problems ahead that may need to be addressed.
- How much gas does James have left in the tank? He turns 42 on December 30 and Father Time has an impeccable won-loss record.
- How effectively will he mesh his talents with those of his new teammates? Will James be willing and able to accept a new and possibly a reduced role compared to the workload he’s taken on in the past? That’s a huge question mark.
- Will he accept the fact that he is not the coach or the general manager? That may be the biggest question of all. Will he peacefully co-exist with Nick Nurse, Elton Brand, Mike Gansey and yes, Bob Myers over the long haul.
And even if all the pieces fit, there are no assurances of success. The Philadelphia fan base is not exactly known for its patience. If the team stumbles early on (Perhaps losing two in a row) the outcry is likely to be substantial.
Some consider the Sixers signing LeBron greatest free agent signing in the history of Philadelphia sports. That’s VERY premature. (See Pete Rose, See Moses Malone).
But that point of view will be affirmed if the 76’ers reach the summit.
Ultimately, how the fan base reaction will be fueled by how the team performs on the court. It is expecting a championship and likely will not settle for less.
Only time will reveal if the signing of LeBron James was the dawn of a new era or simply another dead end.
Original article
Comments