Kevin Durant isn’t backing away from the hype around Philadelphia. If anything, he’s leaning right into it.
At a USA Basketball event on Saturday, Durant said the 76ers have the kind of firepower that can put them in the championship mix for 2027, pointing to the star-packed roster that came together after LeBron James chose Philadelphia. Durant even drew a direct line to the Warriors teams he helped power to titles.
“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.”
That kind of praise makes sense given what Philadelphia now has on paper. Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey each averaged at least 25 points per game last season, and James has hit the 25-point mark in 20 of his 23 NBA seasons, including the 2023-24 campaign with the Los Angeles Lakers.
James, now 41, officially announced on July 24 that he was signing with the 76ers after considering the Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat. The decision instantly pushed Philadelphia into the center of the championship conversation.
Durant said he had no advance notice that James was heading to Philadelphia.
“I didn’t know at all,” Durant said. “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 made clear he sees the move as a boost beyond just the 76ers.
“I’m happy for him. It’s a great decision for him to go to a team that has a good chance to win.
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.”
The talent is obvious. The ceiling is high.
And now Philadelphia has to prove the collection of scorers can turn all that buzz into a title run. Durant, though, already believes the 76ers are built to be one of the league’s most dangerous teams.
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