Both the MLB trade deadline and Eagles training camp are rapidly approaching, but the Sixers remain the talk of the Philly sports world — and the sports world at large — after signing LeBron James to a two-year deal that became official on Monday.
It was such a big deal that it brought one beloved social media account back from the dead.
There’s still no word on when the team might introduce James — as well as its other big offseason addition, Jaylen Brown — or when the new Sixer might move to the Philly area … if he even plans on moving here at all. It appears there’s at least a chance James lives part-time in New York City and commutes to the city by helicopter while playing for the Sixers. He wouldn’t be the first Sixer to commute from NYC; the others include a fellow all-time great, and more recently James’ former coach in Los Angeles.
However it all plays out, James will reportedly have cameras following him the whole way as he films a Last Dance-style documentary in which the City of Brotherly Love will now have a starring role. Buckle up, we’re just getting started.
— Matt Mullin, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.
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For a lot of Eagles fans, the start of training camp is a bit like Christmas morning. So it that’s the case for you, welcome to Christmas Eve. You’ve almost made it.
The Birds report to the Jefferson Health Training Complex today before hitting the practice field Wednesday for the official start of training camp. On Monday, we recapped the team’s offseason so far, and today we take a look at the storylines that are sure to dominate camp — from kicker questions to the quarterback and a new offensive system. Our Eagles writers also ranked them by importance.
What we’re …
⚖️ Following: The latest in the lawsuit at the center of Bryce Harper video controversy, which FanDuel and DraftKings are seeking to have dismissed.
🏀 Anticipating: Luigi Suigo, Villanova’s big offseason addition, should arrive on campus this week as the team, but he missed the team’s Summer Jam.
👀 Seeing: Photos of LeBron and fellow gym rat Tyrese Maxey working out for the first time as Sixers teammate.
Wheeler struggles vs. Marlins
The Phillies managed to salvage a game in each, but dropped their first three series after the All-Star break, including this past weekend to the New York Yankees. On Monday night in Miami, Zack Wheeler struggled, allowing five runs and lasting just three innings. The Phillies fought their way back, and took the lead with a four-run sixth inning. But Jhoan Duran a blew the save opportunity and the Phils dropped the opener, 8-7. Now, they need to win the next two to take their first series since the break.
Prior to the game, Kyle Schwarber took ground balls at first base as he prepares to help Bryce Harper get “a half day.” As for the team’s abysmal fifth starter spot, interim manager Don Mattingly said that he doesn’t want to use Thursday’s off day to skip that spot in the rotation, even though the Phillies have lost 11 consecutive games started by that spot. Instead, Mattingly said he will go with a bullpen game — but that was before their six innings of work Monday.
Next: Phillies at Marlins (6:40 p.m., NBCSP)
There are quite a few benefits to signing a player like LeBron, even some that have been flying under the radar for the Sixers. But not everything will be easy — even if the new-look starting five has combined for 36 All-Star honors, 29 All-NBA teams, five NBA MVP awards, five NBA championships, and five Finals MVPs. That translates to a lot of mouths to feed, which will require sacrifice from the players and creativity from head coach Nick Nurse.
While most of those aforementioned accolades, especially the MVPs and NBA titles, belong to James, the projected starting five is still the best he’s been a part of over his 24 seasons. It’s also one of the best overall in recent NBA history. That’s not our opinion either, we crunched the numbers.
While much was made in the lead up to James’ latest decision about his ties to Maxey through their shared Klutch Sports representation, former MVP Joel Embiid, who was James’ teammate for the 2024 Olympics, also played a major role in recruiting him to Philly.
“If the sacrifice of Embiid’s playing in those Olympics, dragging his body up and down the court for five games in that tournament, was a lost Sixers season in 2024-25, maybe the real upshot is that the entire experience and Team USA’s victory paved the way for James to stun everyone and sign with the 76ers,” writes columnist Mike Sielski.
“Only Embiid and James know how many text messages it took, how much pleading Embiid had to do to persuade James that Philadelphia was the place for him, that Embiid was healthy enough and committed enough for the two of them to win a title here. Whatever words and memes passed between them this offseason, they were enough that a source with knowledge of their interaction said that Embiid played ‘a significant role’ in coaxing James to choose the Sixers.
What you’re saying about LeBron
We asked: What was your reaction to hearing LeBron James was signing with the Sixers?
“I’m reminded of 1980 and the addition of Pete Rose to the Phillies. There are times in sports when it takes someone who understands what it really takes to win. LeBron James certainly understands that, as did Rose. Exciting for Sixer fans!” — Dave S.
“He’s old!” — Jill L.
“We have season tickets to the Eagles and Phillies. Needed a reason after all the disappointing years of the 76ers. That reason came about 11:20 on Friday morning. Got our 6ers seasons. Can’t wait for that first home Knicks game.” — Ronald R.
“Signing LeBron guarantees nothing, but it should be exciting. This might encourage Embiid to take better care of himself for the long haul.” — Tom G.
“I was not surprised at the signing. I really did think he would pick the Sixers. Great basketball city and a team that seems to be perfectly set up for him to lead. If the Sixers with him can come together as a TEAM and not a group of stars they should go all the way.” — Everett S.
“I’ve missed the Sixers being relevant and I’ve been tired of all the missteps! The best reaction came from our grandson who at age 19 declared Friday the ‘best day in his life!’ That made me smile.” — Linda D.
We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Emily Bloch, Gabriela Carroll, Garland Fordice, David Gambacorta, Ethan Kopelman, Scott Lauber, Jasen Lo, Lochlahn March, Gina Mizell, Sam Morris, Jeff Neiburg, Ryan Novozinsky, DeAntae Prince, Olivia Reiner, Charmaine Runes, Mike Sielski, and Ariel Simpson.
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Thanks for reading and hope you have a great day. We’ll be back in your inbox tomorrow. — Matt