The NBA world is finally looking at Philadelphia as a top-tier threat, and the numbers back it up. Law Murray of The Athletic just dropped the 76ers at fourth in his latest power rankings. This jump comes right after LeBron James signed with the team, pushing them past the Cleveland Cavaliers. It’s a massive shift for a roster that just upset the Boston Celtics in the playoffs last spring. The new look features a superstar in Jaylen Brown and NBA Finals MVP LeBron James, which changes the entire vibe in the city.
That’s the story.
Bench Depth and Roster Moves
Many fans might think the starting five is the only story, but the bench looks just as strong. The roster upgrades are clear when you look at who replaced the old players. Wade steps in for Watford, while Simons takes over for Grimes. Caldwell-Pope is now in for Terry, and Philon is an upgrade over the recently retired Lowry. This depth ensures the team can keep its pace even when stars need rest. Murray noted that the team is finally in place, which is a rare moment for this franchise. The talent level is higher than it has been in years, and that includes the supporting cast.
The Embiid Health Question
Despite the hype, there is one giant cloud hanging over the season. Joel Embiid’s availability remains the biggest variable for the team’s success. Ricky O’Donnell from SB Nation also put the Sixers fifth in his own rankings, trailing only the Thunder, Spurs, Knicks, and Timberwolves. He admitted that he likes the Timberwolves for their playoff upside but sees the Sixers as a serious contender. O’Donnell pointed out that while LaMelo Ball is a top-20 player when healthy, the same is true for Aaron Gordon and Joel Embiid. The team’s fate rests on whether Embiid can stay on the court long enough to make the new stars work.
Head coach Nick Nurse still has some puzzle pieces to figure out, but the raw talent is undeniable. The excitement is already spilling over into the streets of Philadelphia. The team announced a merchandise sale at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Tuesday and Wednesday, August 25 and 26, to meet the demand. Fans can buy jerseys featuring James, Brown, Maxey, and Edgecombe from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. during those two days. The organization knows people want to gear up for the 2026-27 season, and they are ready to sell.
