As the NBA season nears, there is growing discussion over the capabilities of LeBron James' 76ers team. Kevin Durant has voiced his admiration for Philadelphia's current depth and potential, but Patrick Beverley, a former Lakers guard, disagrees. Beverley has argued in public that the 2015-16 Cavaliers team is more impressive when compared to the new-look 76ers in terms of talent and success.
Beverley's claim is based on the 2015-16 Cavaliers, a team that made history by overcoming a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals against the then-undefeated Warriors. During that championship run, James played with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love in the frontcourt, while key contributors like Tristan Thompson and J.R. Smith made significant impacts. This combination of stars and role players helped deliver Cleveland’s first NBA title, despite only three All-Stars in the starting five.
A New Era in Philadelphia
The 76ers, however, have redefined the league this offseason through a major trade. They acquired Jaylen Brown from the Celtics, giving them a younger two-way star in place of Paul George. With the addition of Brown alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, the Sixers now have four proven All-Stars in their starting lineup. Philadelphia also added Anfernee Simons and Dean Wade through free agency, further expanding the team's bench depth. Meanwhile, rookie VJ Edgecombe, who finished third in Rookie of the Year voting, is expected to play a major role as the season begins.
Despite the strength of the 76ers' roster, the debate about James' best supporting cast is ongoing. For example, Cleveland’s 2026-27 team, which includes James, Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, could rival even the 2016 title team on paper. That group features four All-Stars and a versatile, experienced roster. Still, the ultimate test for any team is not just talent, but its ability to win. Championships remain the standard for evaluating a roster's true strength.
Whether Beverley is right or not may only be answered with time. While the 76ers' current team features a blend of All-Stars, rising talent, and solid depth, their success will ultimately be judged by results. If James and his new Philadelphia squad can lead the team to a championship, the conversation around his best supporting cast may shift significantly.