The Philadelphia 76ers are firmly in the running to land LeBron James in free agency. Based on a bunch of reports, they are competing against the likes of the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Miami Heat, the Golden State Warriors, the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the Denver Nuggets. But if James were to head to Philly, it wouldn’t be ideal for Tyrese Maxey.
Adding James to the Sixers’ current lineup would mean that someone would have to play a lot off the ball. Joel Embiid and Jaylen Brown aren’t the best at that, which Maxey. But the Sixers should want the ball to be in Maxey’s hands more than anyone elses.
That’s the danger of signing James. The best possible scenario would likely also require the team’s best player to have the ball less frequently.
Adding LeBron James would require a Tyrese Maxey sacrifice
At this point in his career, though James may not be close to the player he once was, he’s still elite. He’s still an All-Star capable of changing the course of an NBA season.
Any team that lands him heading into next season is going to see its title chances raised, including the Sixers. They would add James alongside Maxey, Embiid, Brown, and VJ Edgecombe.
That group would be one of the best starting fives in the NBA. At least, on paper. In practice, it could be a bit harder to integrate James than most realize.
At the end of the day, all five of those players need the ball in their hands to be at their best. Edgecombe can sacrifice the most, especially because of his youth, but the others need the ball.
James isn’t really a great shooter, and he thrives as an offensive organizer. Embiid is a post player through and through. Brown is a top-notch offensive creator who thrives in the mid-range. Maxey uses his speed to break down defenses.
Unfortunately, there is only one ball. And bringing James to town would mean that he would have the ball. A lot. And most of Philly’s lineup doesn’t do well without the ball.
Brown isn’t great as an off-ball player. Neither is Embiid. That leaves Maxey, whose three-point shooting would help him find success. But out of everyone, Philly should want the ball in Maxey’s hands the most.
His speed is their best weapon. Yet if they were to sign James, it feels as though they would utilize it less than ever. That’s definitely not ideal.
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