Contrary to the recurring reports during the heat of the LeBron James sweepstakes, it turns out that the Philadelphia 76ers and the Golden State Warriors were actually the real finalists for the superstar before he decided to sign with the former, according to his agent Rich Paul. And after having snagged him, the Sixers just inadvertently handed the 'Dubs their most brutal wake-up call yet.
LeBron chose Philly. In his eyes, the franchise has a real shot at winning the championship next season. Comparatively speaking, that is akin to saying that the Warriors' chances at the title were actually feeble at best, sparking an identity crisis in Golden State. Next season could very well be its biggest and most defining yet in the Stephen Curry era.
The 76ers sent the Warriors into their biggest identity crisis
Most, if not all, reports had the 76ers lagging behind the Cavaliers and the Heat –– James' previous ball clubs where he won a championship –– in the LeBron chase. Turns out, that was not exactly the case as the superstar made his climactic decision. All of a sudden, the Warriors came closer to landing him than people expected, but after getting spurned, it might be high time for their front office to acknowledge that their championship window is fast closing, if not yet completely shut.
Curry is still one of the best players in the league, but his supporting cast is not exactly one that screams title contender. Draymond Green, Al Horford, and Jimmy Butler (who will miss more than half of the season as he rehabs his torn ACL) are all over 36 years of age. Kristaps Porzingis is injury-prone and is already on the wrong side of 30.
Why the Sixers won the sweepstakes
Meanwhile, the 76ers have all of their core players either in the middle of their primes or just entering it. Heck, one is only an incoming sophomore in VJ Edgecombe. It does not take rocket science to see why Philly touts a loftier shot at the title than the Warriors. That made all the difference for LeBron despite his familiarity and tight-knit off-court ties with Golden State's main guys.
Well, the Warriors' follow-up to LeBron spurning them is their concern. The 76ers, now with James to help them finally get over the hump, will be the definitive title favorites ahead of the upcoming season. Let's see if the team can prove the superstar right in his decision to come to Philly.
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