With an abundance of talent on their roster, the Philadelphia 76ers' fan base is going to expect instantaneous success. They won't just want to hang another championship banner; they will expect to light up the regular season and dominate any opponent who steps onto the floor with their heroes. Historically, teams led by the great LeBron James don't always reach their peak during this stage of the NBA season -- as Brian Windhorst has rightfully pointed out.
When speaking on The Hoop Collective podcast, NBA insider Brian Windhorst asked his colleagues if they knew how many times in the last nine years LeBron's teams had registered over 50.5 wins in a season. After several punts, Windhorst revealed the shocking answer is "twice".
LeBron James clearly isn't a fan of the regular season
In reality, his regular-season win record isn't that bad for your average player. However, we are talking about LeBron James -- not only one of the greatest basketball players of all time, but one of the greatest athletes on the planet.
This is a superstar who averages 26.8 points, 7.4 assists, and 7.5 rebounds throughout his 23-year career, winning four championship rings along the way. How does a player with such a ruthless mentality fail to dominate the regular season so often? Especially in an era of tanking.
In LeBron's defense, his stint with the Los Angeles Lakers has been filled with coaching failures, bad trades, and an over-reliance on a star who should have been taking it easy throughout the final moments of his career. The Lakers always felt like they were in a transition period while James continually sprinkled stardust on a very average roster.
While context is needed in sports, it won't matter a cent if LeBron James doesn't lead the Philadelphia 76ers to the higher echelons of the Eastern Conference. In theory, the Sixers want to rub shoulders with the giants of the East in order to cement simpler playoff fixtures. Yet, it is not potential postseason opponents who should worry LeBron the most.
Philadelphia fans might have to remain patient this season
LeBron James' arrival in the City of Philadelphia instantly raises all expectations of a championship. This is a superstar who is perceived as one of the greatest players of all time and, in the eyes of many, the greatest.
Expectation creates pressure, and with pressure comes heightened emotions -- something 76ers fans don't always handle with grace. The Philadelphia faithful will rightfully want to see immediate success on the floor, but the likelihood of that happening quickly is slim.
There are many variables to consider when a group of players comes together for the first time, especially when that group all want the ball in their hands. Both LeBron and Jaylen Brown know what it takes to achieve eternal glory, but even stars of this magnitude need time to settle into their new surroundings.
Realistically, the regular season is not the 76ers' priority; it can be used as an opportunity to create a cohesive game plan that best fits this talented roster. The team's ultimate goal is the championship, and as the New York Knicks showed last season, what matters most is discovering momentum at the right moment -- just before the postseason commences.
Yes, LeBron James' regular-season record isn't jaw-dropping for the right reasons, but it shouldn't affect the Philadelphia 76ers' long-term aspirations. Nevertheless, only recording over 50.5 wins during two of the last nine seasons doesn't add up with a player who has set such a high standard for himself throughout his career.
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