The role of Kelly Oubre will now be played by LeBron James. Yeah, I’d call that an upgrade.
LeBron in Philly immediately gives the Sixers what is arguably the league’s most talented full-strength starting five, joining Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown and VJ Edgecombe.
Of course, “full-strength” is doing a lot of work here. Embiid misses more games than he plays and has struggled to regain his old MVP form even when he’s what passes for “healthy” these days.
Even at full tilt, one can question how Philly’s pieces fit. There isn’t a lockdown perimeter defender or a knockdown shooter in the group. It’s a lot of players who are good with the ball in their hands and not as strong without it, and one wonders if more of a chameleon role player on the wing would fit the new starting 5 better. (Somebody like … dare I say it … Paul George?)
That’s why the acquisition of Dean Wade matters so much for this group, and why the 76ers still need their most talented role players (Anfernee Simons, Dom Barlow, Justin Edwards) to deliver.
In the end, though, this feels like a bet on Embiid, especially with Ariel Hukporti penciled in as the backup five. And man, I’m not sure that’s a bet I’d feel comfortable making.
