The Philadelphia 76ers saw their starting five take the floor together for the first time in their second preseason game against the Brooklyn Nets. It was a sight to behold as LeBron James wore the Sixers’ jersey for the first time.
James is starting his 24th NBA season, and the 76ers are his fourth different team. You can expect things will be a little different for the legend at this stop. James will likely take on a different role this season than he ever has before. For the first time in his career, he will likely not be a top-three scoring option.
Playing alongside Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, and Joel Embiid, he is set to take the fewest shot attempts of his career, and averaging 20+ points per game is no guarantee. Even if James is not asked to be a top-scoring option, he should have no problem filling the stat sheet.
The 22-time all-star is one of the most well-rounded players in NBA history. He does everything at a high level, which will let him keep putting up his numbers. One area where James should thrive is passing. He has always been a great passer, and now he will share the court with four other scoring options.
LeBron James: Swiss Army-Knife
In James’ first preseason showing with the Sixers, he played 18 minutes and scored 10 points with four rebounds and five assists. James showed off his passing prowess, including an impressive no-look pass to V.J. Edgecombe, highlighted by NBA on X.
Slick dime. Powerful finish.
James’ career-high in assists per game is 10.2, which was set in the 2019-20 season with the Los Angeles Lakers. For his career, James averages 7.4 assists per game, and it should surprise no one if that number rises after this season. With the scoring threats around him, another 10+ assists-per-game season is well within range.
Also, James should have no problem racking up plenty of rebounds this season. Reports already indicate James will play some center this season. Being in the paint more often only increases his odds of getting more rebounds.
James averages 7.5 rebounds per game in his career, so he will likely need to be in that range again for the Sixers to succeed on the glass.
It shouldn’t surprise anyone if James has a career low in points per game this season, but he should benefit more in other areas, and that will be crucial to the 76ers’ pursuit of an NBA Championship.
LeBron James Should Stuff the Stat Sheet with 76ers