Kevin Durant: The New Philadelphia Reminds Me of My Golden State
The Houston star is thrilled with the collaboration between LeBron James, Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and Jaylen Brown. Durant also expressed interest in participating in the 2028 Olympics.
Kevin Durant is convinced that the new Philadelphia is capable of contending for the NBA championship in 2027. The Houston star addressed LeBron James's joining the Sixers on Saturday, claiming that alongside Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey, an extraordinary offensive force has been built in Philadelphia.
"The last time they put together three players who score 20 points per game, they said it wasn't fair, and that was the team I played on," Durant said at a USA Basketball event, referring to the Golden State team where he teamed up with Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. "Philadelphia now has four players who score 25 points per game. So obviously, I think they will be championship contenders. This will be a fun team to watch and one worth getting League Pass for."
Brown, Embiid, and Maxey each averaged at least 25 points per game last season. James, 41, has averaged at least 25 points in 20 of his 23 seasons in the league, with the last time being the 2023/24 season as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers.
James announced on July 24 that he had chosen to join Philadelphia after considering other options for more than three weeks, including Golden State, Cleveland, and Miami. Durant, 37, said he did not know in advance what his former USA teammate's decision would be.
"I didn't know at all," Durant said. "LeBron is mysterious about these things. There is a lot of noise around him, but you never really know what's going through his mind. I'm happy for him. It's a great decision for him because he's going to a team with a good chance to win. Philadelphia has great fans and a big market, and that's good for the league."
Durant also addressed his future with the USA national team and clarified that he is interested in participating in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. If he is included in the roster and the USA wins its sixth consecutive gold, he could become the first male basketball player with five Olympic gold medals.
"It really depends on Grant Hill and what USA Basketball wants to do," Durant said. "I have to stay at the highest level and hope I get the call, but there are so many great players who deserve to be on the team."
