Kevin Durant believes the Philadelphia 76ers have assembled the kind of offensive talent that can put them firmly in the championship conversation, even comparing their new roster to the Golden State Warriors teams he helped lead to two NBA titles.
Durant was asked about Philadelphia’s chances after adding LeBron James alongside Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, speaking at a USA Basketball Foundation charity event in Southern California.
“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.”
Philadelphia has quickly emerged as one of the favorites to compete for the 2027 NBA championship after acquiring Brown in a blockbuster trade and signing James in free agency. Brown, Embiid and Maxey all averaged at least 25 points per game last season, while James has reached that mark in 20 of his 23 NBA seasons.
Durant admitted James’ decision to join the 76ers came as a surprise, saying even he had no advance warning before the four-time NBA champion announced his move.
“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. 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.”
While Durant is focused on preparing for another NBA season, he also revealed he hopes to represent Team USA once again at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. If selected, the former MVP would have the chance to become the first men’s basketball player to win five Olympic gold medals.
“It’s really on [USA Basketball managing director] Grant Hill and what Team USA wants to do,” Durant said. “I stay on top of my game and hopefully I get that call, but there’s so many great players who deserve to be on the team.”
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