The Philadelphia Sixers technically weren't LeBron James' first choice. As Dave McMenamin reported Monday, the 41-year-old initially had his sights set on that other team in New York.
"I had visions of playing in [Madison Square] Garden and finishing my career in the Garden," James told ESPN on Monday during the 76ers' annual media day. "One of the best places I've ever played."
You probably either rolled your eyes reading that (simply because it's the Knicks) or didn't care much at all, since it doesn't matter anymore now that he signed a two-year deal with the Sixers (though that doesn't guarantee his future). What's done is done, and while that's certainly true here, knowing James envisioned himself in New York (where he will still split his time living) gives him a unique opportunity in Philadelphia.
Rather than help the Knicks end their championship drought, LeBron is now in a prime position to knock New York off its pedestal, all while (hopefully) helping Philadelphia win its first title since 1983.
He might've had "visions" of himself finishing his career in Madison Square Garden, but playing spoiler can be just as satisfying, even for a player who has already checked off a long list of pretty much everything you can do in the NBA.
LeBron can let the Knicks down one last time
The more you think about it, the more it makes sense that James is in Philadelphia instead of New York. He became something of a Knicks villain, turning down chances to join New York at other times in his career (most notably in 2010), which was understandable, considering how poorly run that organization was for years.
Considering that he has a history of trolling that fan base, it's only right that he remains an outsider, and, of all things, with the Sixers. Philadelphia has been on New York's radar for the past few years, but the Knicks had their number. That might've changed over the summer, though, with Philly's moves.
Of course, LeBron and Jaylen Brown headline the Sixers' offseason, but other moves, like signing Dean Wade and Anfernee Simons for depth, as well as drafting Labaron Philon Jr., matter, too.
It will take time for Philadelphia to build chemistry, learning how each player works best with one another and as a whole, which puts it at a disadvantage compared to New York's championship chemistry. But if the Sixers stay healthy and click, their potential is limitless.
James recognized that, so he signed with Philadelphia, seeing it as his best shot at a fifth championship.
Yeah, he could've done it in MSG, which, rivalry aside, is a special place. But the Sixers offer similar appeal because it's been so long since they stood victorious at the top of the mountain—a place the Knicks finally reached, but if LeBron and the Sixers have it their way, New York won't stay. In the end, that could be even sweeter for the superstar.
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