Seems to me Philadelphia fits perfectly in the semi-contender, almost there category. Why are New Orleans, Portland, Utah, Washington, Minnesota and San Antonio less of contenders than Philadelphia?
This is a great point, and shows the bias in indeed's post.
But with that being said, screw Philly, that's why we don't want LeBron to go there.
Heck ya we're biased against them! I say it with pride.
I actually see Philadelphia as a sure fire contender with or without LeBron next season, it’s why I omitted them.
A contender for what...making it to the ECF? They certainly are not a contender to challenge for the title (which is what you're asking of Lebron).
I think they're a contender to get out of the East next season. I'm expecting pretty dramatic improvement from Simmons, Embiid, Fultz, plus adding another piece with their pick/trade, etc.
Is that what you want lebron to demonstrate though...take a team to the finals? I mean, he's only done that like, eight times in a row. Or do you want him to take a team to truly challenge GS?
I want him to challenge GS with a team that is good but not good enough to get to the Finals on their own.
And I disagree that Philly will be surefire contender, and certainly not to win it all.
Vegas has Philly at the 3rd best title odds next season.
Perhaps that additional piece would do it. Hey, I have an idea. How about if that additional piece is, say, Lebron?!?
OKAY?!?!
Most people assume that Philly has those odds because of the chance they land James. The Lakers also have incredibly high odds for what that roster otherwise looks like. And the Cavs have very low odds if James were to return.
imo, LeBron should probably stay East, surely the East has improved and it won't be a cakewalk for LeBron anymore even if he joins Philly but what makes philly appealing to LeBron vs staying in Cavs is emerging stars and youth in Embiid, Simmons, Fultz and Saric while having cap room to sign him and surround themselves with lots of shooters like JJ Reddick
I personally prefer him to go to LA, honestly speaking, even if he bolts to LA like most people has been speculating for years with Paul George, sure they are a playoff team but they're gonna have to fight the likes of Houston and the Warriors every year, let them fight to the death and let the Celtics cakewalk to the finals next year
There is so much uncertainty surrounding Toronto now and with Kyrie and Hayward back and an other year in the belt for Tatum, Brown, Rozier, Smart and Theis i honestly won't feat Philly next year (also depends on who they add and their own youth growth).