The Philadelphia 76ers just formed a super team. They signed LeBron James to a two-year, $8 million deal in free agency, teaming him up with Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey. However, they are ignoring the championship formula that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder proved: In today’s NBA, it’s all about depth.
James and the Sixers are taking things back to the 2010s, when combining a bunch of talent onto one team was the way to go. But that’s not how it works anymore. The Thunder have talent, obviously, but they are backed by depth. Just like the New York Knicks were this year.
Throwing talent together and hoping it works isn’t the way to win anymore. The Thunder proved that, and the James-led Sixers are going to learn that the hard way.
LeBron and 76ers are iignoring Thunder's proven depth-first approach
The Sixers have an elite starting lineup. That group mentioned above may be the most talented first five since the prime Golden State Warriors, and that’s not something to be taken lightly.
But talent doesn’t always win out. Look at the Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, James Harden Brooklyn Nets. They had all the talent in the world, but the on-court fit just wasn’t there. Neither was the health.
James is 41 years old. Injuries could catch up to him at any point. The injury bug has already caught up with Embiid. He hasn’t played 40 or more games in three straight seasons.
As for the on-court fit, the Sixers are pairing four players together who all need the ball in their hands. Brown, Maxey, James, and Embiid are all at their best when they have the ball. They’re all very high-usage players.
That’s not very conducive to winning in today’s league. Look at OKC. SGA has the ball a lot. Jalen Williams can score in bunches when needed, but he doesn’t need the ball. Chet Holmgren is a defense-first star.
Then, the Thunder have guys like Ajay Mitchell, Jared McCain, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Alex Caruso lining the roster. All are capable of filling the gaps on both ends of the court.
The SGA Thunder proved that depth may be the best path to winning a title in today’s NBA. But the Sixers are ignoring that lesson. Their signing of James proves that.
And based on the projected on-court fit, it doesn’t seem like things will go well. OKC’s formula is right. Philly is going to get beaten by its own gluttony.
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