Philadelphia 76ers fans prepare warm welcome for LeBron James

A lovefest between Cleveland Cavaliers elite LeBron James and Philadelphia sports teams is heating up. After LeBron touts both Ben Simmons and Carson Wentz, Philadelphia76ers fans ready a warm welcome for the Cavs star

The city of Philadelphia is nicknamed the City of Brotherly Love. Many opposing sports athletes who visit the city wonder why. You see, Philadelphia is also a very passionate fan base. And passion manifests in supporting her teams, and in vigorously booing opponents.  But there is something very unique happening this year between Philadelphia 76ers‘ fans and the Cleveland Cavaliers’ star player LeBron James. On one hand, call it mutual admiration.  On the other hand, call it deep respect.  You may even call it a lovefest.  Or simply call it a city wooing the interest of one of  the NBA’s most talented players.

The story began when Ben Simmons and LeBron James connected as Simmons prepared to join the NBA.  In those reports, it became clear that LeBron had taken a personal interest in the basketball career of the Australian star.  And that is significant for an elite veteran to support a young rookie.

Philly pride

Philadelphia is an enigma to many athletes, who are praised simply for donning the jersey of their team. In Philadelphia, that jersey represents many things. But most of all, it stands for hard work. It’s not enough to make an occasional good play.  The fans expect effort from athletes on all plays. The worst possible scenario for a player is to be captured taking a play off.  If you don’t believe me, just query “For who? For what?” and read the tale of running back Ricky Watters.

Or dial up Jahlil Okafor’s dismal defense and wonder what he was thinking? Head coach Brett Brown rallied to his defense, but the damage was done.  No effort is the kiss of death in Philadelphia.  Thankfully, Ben Simmons has been all effort. And his mentor, LeBron James, is one of the hardest working NBA players in the league.

LeBron following Philadelphia athletes

But the connections did not fade when Simmons began his NBA career. Rather, it deepened the relationship. LeBron kept track of his protege. And when Ben Simmons hit his first rookie triple-double, he was right there congratulating him.

The Cavaliers star does not limit his applause to Philadelphia basketball players only.  In fact, LeBron James is also on record for enjoying the play of Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz.

In short, LeBron loves the play of the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, and the Philadelphia 76ers point guard. That is a pretty big deal for a guy who can name the next NBA team he plays for.

Love thy enemy

And so the enemy taking the court in the Wells Fargo Center is not so unlikeable after all. The Cavaliers remain one of the best teams in the NBA, but they have shown signs of vulnerability.  Curiously, it was the prediction of the Philadelphia 76ers own Joel Embiid which seemed to serve as the harbinger to the Cleveland chaos which has ensued.

But the impact may benefit the 76ers. In the end of this season, LeBron James has the option to launch into free agency.  If the Cleveland Cavaliers do not deliver a championship this year, he will certainly weigh his options. One of which will surely be to remain in the NBA East, perhaps with the Philadelphia 76ers?

LeBron fits Philly

Now some argue against this type of thinking. Some believe that the road to a championship team precludes the “short-cut” of signing a true NBA elite talent. And in some regards, they are correct. Blindly committing vast amounts of salary to one player is always a risky endeavor.

But LeBron James does fit the style of this Philadelphia 76ers scheme. He is a perimeter shooter, a good defender. He can play virtually any position, and he dominates games at key moments of the game.

The plan comes together

While some turn a thumbs down to the possibility, others see a natural fit. With both Amir Johnson and J.J. Redick on one-year deals, the 76ers will have roster holes to fill. LeBron is one of the most talented and versatile players in the NBA. As such, he would immediately place the 76ers in discussions for a championship, as well as serve to mentor younger players who continue to join the team each season. So it’s natural for the match of LeBron to Philadelphia to be in discussions.

But beyond that, LeBron James is a blue collar player. He works hard and holds teammates to a high work ethic as well. Keep in mind that Sam Hinkie was part of the Houston Rockets brain trust which pried James Harden from the clutches of the Oklahoma City Thunder.  He had no aversion to getting tried and true NBA talent.  He wanted elite players with great work ethics.  And that is a Philadelphia fan trademark.  So the fans of the Philadelphia 76ers are working on a warm welcome for LeBron James. And that is very special indeed.

Warm welcome

Special enough for the city to work on a warm welcome? Yes indeed.  The Philadelphia 76ers are savvy enough to realize what is truly at stake, and as such the welcome mat awaits King James.

Warm receptions to a visiting player is a special event in Philly.  So special that it may garner a story of its own after the game as well

Success attracts winners

In the end, no amount of cheers will win over the Cavaliers star. And money is not the enticement you might think it to be. No, to get a player of LeBron James’ caliber, the Philadelphia 76ers must prove they are winners. Not only in the regular season, but in post-season as well.  The task then, for these Philadelphia 76ers, is to exceed expectations.

So far, the team is doing that. But the true test will be post season. And for all intents and purposes, the Philadelphia 76ers will likely face a higher ranked opponent. But this Philadelphia 76ers team gets better each game. By post-season, the team will likely be playing their best basketball of the season. Good enough to win their first playoff series? Perhaps.

Fickle national narrative.

Ultimately, it’s the showing of the Sixers which opens the opportunity for free agents. If the team hobbles into post season and is ushered out in four games? That opportunity will likely not occur.  But if the team roars into the playoffs and shows up big in games, that will echo throughout the NBA.  National narratives are fickle. A Philadelphia 76ers team heating up as many past powerhouses cool off will change the media perspective.  And a changing perspective can win the audience of top players like LeBron James.

Next: J.J. Redick makes the Philadelphia 76ers elite

Signing a LeBron James in free agency is not short-cutting the process, nor is it a bad move.  LeBron James signing with the Philadelphia 76ers is a symbol of his acceptance of his own role moving from engine to advisor in the NBA. He won’t try to wrest the reigns from Joel Embiid nor Coach Brown. Instead, he will serve as the NBA historian to young players eager to taste a championship.  And he will be happy to do so, as that will bring three champions to his resume on three different NBA teams.  For a player with as much pride as LeBron James, that may be the ticket to entice his signing with Philadelphia.