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Kevin Durant has thrown his weight behind the Philadelphia 76ers' championship aspirations following LeBron James's blockbuster decision to join the franchise. Speaking at a USA Basketball event on Saturday, Durant lauded the Sixers' newly assembled roster, drawing parallels to the dominant Golden State Warriors teams he once led to glory.
Durant, a two-time NBA champion, highlighted the 76ers' offensive arsenal, noting that they boast four players who averaged at least 25 points per game last season: Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and James, who has achieved that mark in 20 of his 23 NBA seasons. "The last time they put three 20-point scorers on a team, they said it was unfair, which was the [Warriors] team I was on," Durant said. "[The 76ers] have got four 25-point scorers on this team. So, hell yeah, I think they're going to be a contender. They're going to be a fun team to watch. It's going to be League Pass-worthy."
Key Analysis
Durant's comments underscore the seismic shift in the NBA landscape following James's July 24 announcement that he would sign with Philadelphia, choosing the 76ers over the Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Miami Heat. The move has instantly catapulted the Sixers into the upper echelon of championship favorites, with expectations soaring to unprecedented levels.
Durant admitted he was caught off guard by the news, saying, "I didn't know at all. LeBron is stealth like that. I know there's a lot of noise around him, but you never know what's on his mind." He also expressed happiness for James, noting that the decision benefits both Philadelphia and the league. "It's a great decision for him to go to a team that has a good chance to win," Durant said. "Philly is a great fanbase, a great market, and it's great for the league. There were so many eyes that were tuned in to his decision."
With four elite scorers set to share the floor, the 76ers are poised to field one of the most dangerous offensive teams in recent memory. Whether they can translate that star power into a championship remains to be seen, but Durant's endorsement adds fuel to the already blazing hype surrounding the franchise.
Originally reported by yahoo.