KD compares 76ers' star power to his Warriors
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- Kevin Durant said the new-look Philadelphia 76ers have the offensive firepower to compete for the 2027 NBA championship, comparing their roster to his two Golden State Warriors title teams with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.
- Durant highlighted that the 76ers boast "four 25-point scorers" — Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey each averaged at least 25 PPG last season, while LeBron James has hit that mark in 20 of his 23 seasons.
- LeBron James, 41, announced July 24 he would join the 76ers over the Warriors, Cavaliers, or Heat after weighing his free agency decision for more than three weeks, then signed a two-year, $8 million contract.
- The 76ers acquired Brown from the Boston Celtics in a trade before adding James, and oddsmakers now view Philadelphia as one of the leading title contenders, trailing only the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs.
- The 76ers are chasing their first championship since 1983, while James is trying to become the first NBA player to win a title with four different franchises.
- Durant, 37, also said he wants to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics at age 39 and could become the first men's basketball player to win five Olympic gold medals after winning with Team USA in 2012 and 2024.
Why it matters: A peer-superstar's endorsement carries weight, and Durant's specific "four 25-point scorers" comparison to his own Warriors championship teams gives the 76ers a credible, high-profile stamp of approval heading into 2026-27. For bettors and fans, oddsmakers moving Philadelphia into a tier behind only OKC and San Antonio signals the franchise has shifted from afterthought to legitimate contender.
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