Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant has stated that the Philadelphia 76ers are poised to become a "juggernaut" in the upcoming season, largely due to LeBron James' approach.
Durant, a two-time NBA champion, shared his assessment on his podcast, suggesting that James' decision to accept a minimum contract reflects a winning mindset that will benefit the 76ers. "He understands how to put a winning basketball team together. He’s been in the league for 24 years; he should know how to understand how to do that," Durant told his co-host, Rich Kleiman. "I feel like for him to take a minimum says a lot about his mindset and how he’s going to come into the team."
James officially announced his departure from the Los Angeles Lakers in July, signing a two-year, $7.9 million deal with the 76ers. On paper, the Philadelphia roster now includes a formidable lineup featuring Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey, and V.J. Edgecomb.
Durant highlighted James' ability to adapt his role, noting that the veteran player has previously succeeded as a secondary option, such as when playing alongside Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves last season. Durant believes James' willingness to adjust his role will be the crucial element for the 76ers' success.
"Everybody’s not going to average 25 points on this team," Durant explained. "But it’s going to be nights where you’re going to be the man; it’s going to be nights where you’ve got to be the second guy, but it’s going to be moving parts throughout the whole season. Everybody’s role is going to change, and I think LeBron understands that."
Durant expressed confidence in the team's collective intelligence to make the new dynamic work effectively throughout the season.