By: Gwen Varley

The Philadelphia 76ers are cruising through the NBA with an almost perfect record. To the surprise of all basketball fans everywhere, LeBron James signed a 2-year contract with the Sixers in July of this year. Since his signing, all eyes are on this team and their anticipated success.

James announced on X, “I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team, and I am so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time.”

James is currently in his 24th season of the NBA. The 41-year-old is averaging 15.7 points per game, 7.4 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and maintaining a 45.7%  field goal percentage. He also recently passed 16,000 career field goals made, becoming the all-time leader.

The team is stacked with talent and superstars ranging from seven-time All-Star, former MVP, and Olympic gold medalist Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown, a five-time All-Star and an NBA champion, and finally Tyrese Maxey, a two-time All-Star and averaging 28 points per game this season.

We can’t forget about V.J. Edgecomb. The young kid of the group, just 21-years-old, 1st round 3rd overall pick of the 2025 NBA Draft, a member of the All-Rookie Team, and averaging 12.5 points per game this season.

Though the season has just begun, there are rumors and speculation about the success of this team and what their long-term results will look like. If they continue on the path that they are on, they are expected to be successful in the Eastern Conference.

This group of superstars, ranging in ages and skill, works together to put on a show for everyone in the stands or on their couches at home, watching history be made. So far, the team has taken on the reigning 2026 NBA Champions, the New York Knicks, twice, defeating them 106-100 in their first encounter, and 98-93 in their second.

These starting 5 have a unique game plan compared to other teams. Their basketball IQs work cohesively together to make insane plays. Last season, Maxey was a staple to this team. If he wasn’t producing, the Sixers couldn’t find much success.

Now, with stars like James and Brown, some of that pressure is lifted off of Maxey’s shoulders, and he can truly shine both through solo efforts and in off-ball movements. James, who has typically been the statistical leader for all his teams, is now able to sit back and assist the younger players.

Each night a different star is leading the scoreboard. Every player’s role changes each game and what is expected of them. Unlike most other NBA teams where you have one or two major standout players, the Sixers have a starting 5 of depth, and it can be anyone’s night on any given day.

The beginning of this season has just been a taste of the anticipated success of the Sixers. As long as they continue working as a team, playing selfishly, and building chemistry. They will remain unstoppable.

James and the Sixers are giving the people of Philadelphia hope of a possible NBA Championship, making it their first since 1983.

Join Philadelphians and ride the wave of LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers this basketball season.

Gwen Varley is a junior student majoring in English. She is a part of the Women’s Lacrosse team and the Honors Program. She is expected to graduate in the spring of 2028.