Kevin Durant believes the Philadelphia 76ers are shaping up to be a juggernaut following the additions of LeBron James and Jaylen Brown. Appearing on Boardroom Talks with Speedy Morman on Aug. 27, Durant didn’t hedge on his assessment of a Philadelphia roster that also includes Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid and VJ Edgecombe.
“That’s going to be a juggernaut,” Durant said, pointing to the championship-caliber front office and coaching staff around James, Embiid, Brown and Maxey. “I think it’s not no ifs, ands, or buts about it.”
What Is Confirmed About Philadelphia’s New Core
James and Brown joined a Philadelphia group that already featured Maxey, Embiid and Edgecombe. Brown arrived in a trade after finishing sixth in MVP voting last season, while James subsequently signed to join him with the Sixers.
The moves came after Philadelphia entered the summer dealing with George’s contract, which had $110.7 million remaining over two years if he exercised his player option for 2027-28. The Sixers moved that contract in the deal that brought Brown to Philadelphia.
Not The First Time Durant Has Made This Case
This is a theme Durant has returned to more than once. About a month before this latest comment, he compared Philadelphia’s firepower to his own title-winning Warriors teams, telling reporters at a USA Basketball event that the Sixers have “four 25-point scorers,” referencing Brown, Embiid and Maxey’s 25-plus scoring averages last season alongside James. “So, hell yeah, I think they’re going to be a contender,” he said at the time. “They’re going to be a fun team to watch. It’s going to be League Pass-worthy.”
Oddsmakers already back that assessment up, with Philadelphia currently viewed as a top-three title contender, trailing only the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs. The Sixers are chasing their first championship since 1983, while James is trying to become the first player in NBA history to win a title with four different franchises.
Why The Roster Draws Attention
Philadelphia’s new group combines Brown, James, Maxey and Embiid, all players who need the ball to maximize their abilities. Head coach Nick Nurse will be tasked with determining how the team operates on the court and how those responsibilities are distributed.
That challenge is central to the appeal of the roster. Durant’s assessment reflects the level of talent Philadelphia has assembled, while the season will show how the Sixers fit those pieces together.
The Potential And Questions Behind The Juggernaut Label
The upside for the group is as high as it has been for any 76ers team in recent memory. At the same time, the questions surrounding the team’s on-court operation remain significant, particularly with multiple players who are at their best with possession.
Embiid’s health is another major factor. It remains to be seen whether he can stay healthy through a full regular season and the playoffs, a question that will shape Philadelphia’s outlook.
When Durant Will See The Sixers
Durant will get his first in-person look at the new group on Nov. 28, when the Houston Rockets host Philadelphia at Toyota Center. The teams will meet again in Philadelphia on Dec. 23.
Those games will provide early opportunities to see how the Sixers’ new roster functions against Durant and the Rockets.
