When LeBron James comes to Philadelphia, he isn't just an MVP candidate playing the Sixers. He's a potential future teammate.
James could opt out of his contract with the Cavaliers this summer and there is heavy speculation the Sixers would be on his targeted list. With free agency just three months away, James' take on the Sixers is of high interest, especially after they beat the Cavs, 132-130, Friday to move into the third spot in the East (see observations).
Here's what James had to say about Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid and the fans inside the Wells Fargo Center.
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1. He thinks Simmons is pretty good
James offered up a few seconds of sarcasm before complimenting Simmons, who recorded his 12th triple-double with 27 points, 15 rebounds and 13 assists (see story).
“He was awful,” James said, pausing. “He was great, of course.”
2. He's seen Simmons grow
James has known Simmons for years now through their agency, Klutch Sports Group. From summer workouts to intense games, James has noticed an evolution in the 21-year-old rookie this season.
“I think the best teacher in life is experience,” James said. “Every game he’s experiencing more and more, learning the game. Obviously they’re coaching him the right way, coaching to his strengths. He’s a student of the game. Obviously I know that probably more than you guys. I’ve been around much more than even in this city. He’s a student of the game, he wants to be great, and he’s definitely showcasing that.”
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3. He felt the Sixers' speed
The Sixers have been playing more uptempo in the absence of Embiid. The Cavaliers, who were in the second night of consecutive games, felt that in the Sixers’ 78-point first half.
“It was their pace,” James said. “It was our turnovers and their pace. We turned the ball over (eight in the first half), they made us pay and they were flying. They knew we were coming in on a back-to-back, so I’m pretty sure their point of emphasis was to get up and down. … Took us awhile to kind of get into the game.”
4. No Embiid, still a problem
Whether fellow All-Star Embiid is in the game or sidelined like he was Friday (more on his status here), James sees the Sixers as a challenge.
“They’re talented, either or,” James said. “With Embiid on the floor, they cause other problems. When Embiid’s not on the floor, they cause different problems. So they’re a pretty good team.”
5. James knows the Philly vibe
James played his first NBA game in Philadelphia in November 2003. He’s competed in the Wells Fargo Center enough times to expect a loud crowd, especially now with the winning momentum of the city.
“I’ve been coming here to Philly for a while,” James said. “Started off with A.I., the days in between, after A.I. where they weren’t that good, to now. Philly fans haven’t changed. They love their team, they love their ballclub, they come out and support. Obviously riding the winning streak and also you add in Villanova, you add in the Eagles, obviously that helps as well. But it’s always been kind of rowdy coming here.”