Can the Philadelphia 76ers secure a championship victory in 2024? According to most metrics, the answer appears to be affirmative. They are among the top five teams in the NBA in both offense and defense, alongside the Celtics and Thunder. This achievement marks a departure from their post-Process era performance. The team’s plus-8.4 net rating, particularly with Joel Embiid on board, stands as their best, surpassing any champion since the 2017 Warriors. Embiid himself is enjoying what could be deemed the best individual offensive season of the 21st century. These factors align with team president Daryl Morey’s 5% rule, emphasizing the importance of focusing on a title-winning strategy when there’s at least a 5% chance.
Morey, known for his bold trades over the past decade, has positioned the 76ers as a formidable team this year. However, the team’s approach to the trade deadline seems cautious, despite having the assets, acquired through the October trade of James Harden, to make meaningful improvements. The 76ers have shown reluctance toward star players like Zach LaVine, and reports indicate a measured approach at the deadline. The team’s offensive dynamics, thriving with two high-usage ball-handlers in Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, coupled with financial considerations, contribute to this strategic stance.
Looking ahead, the 76ers could create significant cap space in the upcoming offseason, estimated around $55 million. This potential flexibility could be used to pursue star players, but Morey faces the dilemma of retaining the current championship-caliber roster or forming a three-headed monster with another star, risking the departure of key free agents. Morey has meticulously crafted this cap space by strategic moves, such as delaying Maxey’s rookie extension and including P.J. Tucker in the Harden deal, leaving the team with no long-term financial commitments.
However, the challenge lies in finding suitable targets for the cap space, as many potential fits from the previous offseason have been taken off the table due to trades and extensions. Notably, LeBron James, Morey’s elusive target, holds a player option for the next season. While there’s little indication of his plans, the possibility of James seeking a chance to compete for championships, play with his son Bronny, and secure a max or near-max salary remains.
Comparing the 76ers, Lakers, and other potential destinations for James based on these criteria, Philadelphia emerges as a strong contender. The team’s current championship contention status, the presence of Maxey and Embiid, and the financial capability make the 76ers an attractive option. In contrast, the Lakers, despite reaching the Western Conference Finals last season, face challenges in the current season and potential draft complications in pursuing Bronny.
The 76ers’ advantageous position extends to the draft, where they currently project to pick at No. 26, offering financial resources to potentially trade up. While other teams may have draft picks, Philadelphia’s combination of on-court competitiveness, Bronny’s potential fit, and financial strength positions them uniquely. Morey, a seasoned pursuer of James, could leverage the team’s resources to make a compelling pitch. Ultimately, if James decides to explore options outside Los Angeles, the 76ers stand out as a team that aligns with his criteria for contention, family, and financial stability.”