Windhorst: 76ers 'Not A Basketball Match' For LeBron James
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 25: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles down the court in the third quarter against the Brooklyn Nets during their game at Barclays Center on March 25, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
The two runaway favorites to land newly-minted free agent LeBron James are the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers. Other possibilities might be more intriguing though, including the Philadelphia 76ers.
After years wading through the swamps of "The Process," Philly came out the other side last season. The team finished third in the Eastern Conference.
Philadelphia has a fantastic young core. However, considering the lack of shooting in the team's backcourt, there are legitimate questions about how LeBron would fit there. He is at his best with teammates that spread the floor, while he is a pretty ball-dominant player.
ESPN LeBron James-whisperer Brian Windhorst acknowledged the 76ers as a possibility, but doesn't see it as a good fit, basketball-wise.
He appeared on First Take this morning to discuss James after the widespread reports that James is officially opting out of his deal with the Cavs.
From Windhorst on the possibility of LeBron to the 76ers:
"I think they're viable, Stephen A., but I would have to hear from Joel Embiid if I were LeBron James, because I don't see the basketball match for LeBron in Philadelphia. You would need Joel Embiid to be sitting at the table and say 'I'm ready to play with you. I'm ready to go stand in the corner like you needed Chris Bosh and Kevin Love to do over the last eight years' to make this work.
"You would have to get in alignment with them, and then you have the reality that the two young perimeter players that the Sixers have—Markelle Fultz and Ben Simmons—are guys that need the ball, and cannot shoot. LeBron plays best with guys that are off the ball and can shoot.
"So to me, while its very attractive in a cocnept, I don't think basketball-wise it makes sense. Here's the thing though, I think LeBron already decided what his choices are here. I've talked to several teams that have requested meetings with LeBron, including some teams that I think have pretty creative ideas, and they have been told 'no.'
"So I think LeBron is probably pretty focused on Los Angeles or Cleveland, but I do think Philadelphia, if Joel Embiid was willing to sit down, I think LeBron would listen."
Windhorst has previously said that he expects James to make a choice fairly soon. July 4th has been a big free agency day in the past. Everyone better keep their head on a swivel.
