Championship success requires more than talent; luck plays a huge role in a team's fate. On paper, the Philadelphia 76ers have one of the NBA's most devastating rosters, but they also need several things to fall into place to reach their potential -- something that hasn't happened in previous years.
Joel Embiid must remain healthy
A tale as old as time. Philadelphia's championship ambitions rest on their superstar center staying injury-free for a large portion of the season and, of course, the entire playoff campaign. Under its current guise, Philadelphia aren't as reliant on their star center as they once were; however, a fully healthy Joel Embiid is undeniable.
Even during a 2025-26 injury-riddled campaign, Embiid averaged 26.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. While it is clear that the Kansas alum is weighed down by limited mobility, his offensive contribution still poses a serious problem for the opposition.
Joel Embiid doesn't need to hit the heights of his prime for the Philadelphia 76ers to win a championship; having him on the floor is enough to complicate the opponent's blueprint. If he can't stay healthy throughout the season to build momentum and be ready for the playoffs, the Sixers won't win a championship.
Carving out a role for VJ Edgecombe will be critical
In his rookie year, VJ Edgecombe proved he can be the 76ers' next superstar, but this season, he doesn't have to make that leap. Philadelphia's head coach Nick Nurse must carve out a complementary role for Edgecombe that he is willing to accept.
Every NBA player wants to put up career-high scoring numbers, yet the Sixers require Edgecombe to contribute in other areas this season. The 21-year-old will have to prove he is a mature defensive force and willing to let his surrounding veterans take charge on offense. With so many loud voices in the dressing room, Edgecombe must embrace a less prominent role when attacking the opponent's basket.
Despite names like LeBron James, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Jaylen Brown on the roster, Edgecombe's position could become integral to any blueprint Nick Nurse creates. His athleticism, energy, and fearlessness are traits you don't want to contain, but how does a coach maximise these attributes without limiting the stars who surround him?
'Point LeBron' can fix the 76ers' playmaking void
LeBron James might have accepted a smaller contract than usual, but this has not reduced his importance to the Philadelphia 76ers' championship ambitions. While he might be in the twilight of his career, LeBron must be ready to take a lead playmaking role.
The 41-year-old might be the greatest scorer to ever grace the NBA, yet it is his vision and facilitation skills that are arguably his most impressive assets. Throughout his 24-year career, LeBron has averaged a sensational 7.4 assists per game, proving he is more than capable of leading the Sixers' offensive charge.
Even with Tyrese Maxey's improved playmaking, the 76ers have lacked a natural floor general for a number of years. LeBron James' basketball IQ and championship experience make him the perfect candidate to assume this position. With an abundance of scoring options on the roster, the Philadelphia 76ers need one of their stars to put their ego to one side and become the team's creative force.
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