Respective takes and insights alike are pouring in today after the stunner news reveal that LeBron James would be joining the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Eastern Conference has long been considered the weaker scope of competition in NBA history, and while there is an argument to be made that the West is full of killers — next season, we could be in store for a closely-contested bracket of hungry East contenders.
After all, the reigning champs at present reside in the East: the New York Knicks. Elsewhere, the list of viable threats are apparent: you have the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, a rejuvenated Indiana Pacers, and some wildcards like the Charlotte Hornets and Orlando Magic.
Thinking ahead to who might become the Raptors’ heated foe next year though, I would like to think that Philly is up there as one of their most intriguing contemporaries.
This summer, the massive question mark hovering over Toronto’s shoulder has been the status of this anticipated Kawhi Leonard trade. The agreed package dropped on June 30, and nearing the end of July and almost a full month since the initial reports made headlines — the trade has been stuck on hold as the NBA concludes their investigation into the Kawhi-Aspiration scandal.
There is still a super slim chance the trade falls through, but with a series of optimistic reports and a positive outlook, basketball fans and commentators alike have already examined different angles regarding Kawhi’s expected arrival.
Raptors' defensive potential could be their key to challenging the star-studded 76ers
One of the key takeaways immediately upon news of Kawhi’s impending reunion was the allure of his fit alongside Scottie Barnes and company — particularly on the defensive end. Barnes, an already defensive ace of his own, is complemented by other rising stars in that category on Toronto’s roster: guys like Collin Murray-Boyles, Ja’Kobe Walter, Jamal Shead, and Allen Graves. Even the Raptors’ modest free agency pickup this summer, Kyle Anderson, can help in that regard as well.
Now, over to the Philadelphia 76ers’ side of this equation after the LeBron James addition and their other offseason splashes. On-paper, there is absolutely no denying that this Sixers squad is stacked to the brim. You have a projected starting lineup of Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, VJ Edgecombe, LeBron James, and Joel Embiid. The more critical basketball analysts and fans will have their gripes about each respective player or their collective fit, but again, they might just be the best starting five in the East and arguably the entire league.
However, this is just the preliminary conclusions we’re coming to in light of these major offseason developments. While I’m sure this new-look 76ers will hold their own on the defensive end, I’m not entirely sure if that end of the floor will be their calling card, culture, and identity for next season like it looks to be for the Raptors.
Toronto might lack the star power and the quality insurance policy that the 76ers currently have, but I see the Raptors heading into next season as the little engine that could (Kevin O'Connor of Yahoo Sports mirrored this sentiment recently as well). They don't yet have a concrete, set lineup ready to contend for a title like the 76ers do, but there are high hopes for the Raptors’ defense, especially their flexibility to experiment with “death lineups."
This could turn out to be the swing factor that helps them stand toe-to-toe against a star-studded team like Philadelphia. Although the Raptors will still need to monitor potential free agency moves or trades this offseason to help them match the 76ers’ firepower.
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