Philadelphia 76ers legend Julius Erving believes the championship experience of LeBron James and Jaylen Brown could have a significant impact on Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey as the franchise prepares for its highly anticipated 2026-27 season.
With Philadelphia set to open training camp next week, Erving discussed the team's revamped roster in a recent interview with Kyle Odegard of Action Network. The Hall of Famer pointed to the championship pedigree James and Brown bring to a group still searching for its first title together.
“You’ve got guys who have had championship success, so I think the guys who haven’t had it are going to be paying attention. Embiid’s an MVP but not a champion. So they bring a lot to the team other than just their skillset.”
Embiid has established himself as one of the NBA's premier players and won the 2023 MVP award, while Maxey has developed into another cornerstone for Philadelphia. However, neither has reached the NBA Finals.
James and Brown give the Sixers two players who understand what it takes to win at the highest level, adding another dimension to a roster carrying significant expectations.
Julius Erving explains LeBron James' role with Philly
Erving also outlined what he believes James' role should look like after the veteran left the Los Angeles Lakers for Philadelphia.
“I think the role for him is not to be the leading scorer, not to be the leading rebounder, and not necessarily the leading assist guy, but to be a factor in all those areas statistically,” Erving said. “And then what he brings to the game that doesn’t show up on the stat sheet, that’s going to be as valuable as anything else.”
James will enter a historic 24th NBA season and continue playing into his 40s, something Erving noted has precedent among other longtime stars.
“He’s not the only one. Kareem (Abdul-Jabbar) went. Moses (Malone) went. Vince Carter went. There are guys who played into their 40s, and there are a lot more hockey players than basketball players (who have done it).”
Still, Erving acknowledged the unprecedented nature of James' career.
Article Continues Below“He’s 1-of-1. There has never been another guy like him, coming out of high school and then having the type of career he has. You have to give him his credit. He’s found a way to preserve his body, squeeze out 50-to-60 games a year and get full pay. So God bless him.”
Dr. J plans to connect with new 76ers stars during preseason
Erving has not yet connected with James or Brown since their arrivals in Philadelphia, but that should change soon. The Sixers icon expects to attend preseason games before being in attendance for Philadelphia's opening-night matchup against the New York Knicks.
“I haven’t seen either one of those guys since they became 76ers, but I will. In October I’ll probably see them multiple times, because it’s exhibition season and I’ve gotten invited to come up and be there for that. And then opening night they play the Knicks and I’ve got an invitation to that. That should be interesting.”
Erving also said he would be willing to offer guidance if Philadelphia's players seek him out.
“Most of the time when I go to games, there’s not a whole lot of interaction with the players. They’re coming to do their job. They don’t need to be distracted by a fair-weather fan like myself. If they seek me out and ask me for my opinion or ask for a little advice, I’m certainly willing to pass that along.”
For Embiid and Maxey, James and Brown now provide championship experience inside the locker room as Philadelphia attempts to turn its star-studded roster into a title run.