It’s only been two games, and no one ever really denied that if everyone learned how to co-exist this team could be incredible, but wow do the Philadelphia 76ers ever look powerful in the wake of landing Tobias Harris. The Sixers shredded the Nuggets and bludgeoned the Lakers; Philly’s feeling so good Ben Simmons even took a three on Sunday.
All the salary cap calculating and debate on whether the Sixers should try to keep Harris and J.J. Redick at the expense of Jimmy Butler, or vice versa -- all that ignores the potential of this team to be really, really good really, really fast. If this team, say, makes the NBA Finals this year and pushes the Golden State Warriors ... what then? If this team goes on a run to land the No. 2 seed and dances all over the Eastern Conference, what then?
It’s only been two games. But these things are now in play. The salary cap issues are real. But the calculus changes if this team has really launched itself into the top tier. And right now? It kind of looks like it has.
Paul Flannery’s Sunday Shootaround has risen from the graveyard, and in his first week back he nails a piece on how LeBron knows how to play all of the NBA’s games, on the court and off. Check it out.
I wrote about where LeBron and the Lakers go from here after striking out at the deadline.
The NBA told the Pelicans they can’t bench Anthony Davis for the rest of the season if he’s healthy.
If you think this trade deadline was wild, Ricky O’Donnell implores you to wait for the summer, which should be even crazier.
Trade deadline winners and losers.
Can the Sixers reach their incredible potential?
Caris LeVert is back!
Magic Johnson essentially confirms the reports that the Pelicans #gotem. Meanwhile, Earvin the Legend is constitutionally unable to not tamper.
The Celtics are fighting again after blowing a huge lead over the Clippers.
The Bucks are a juggernaut hiding in plain sight.
Be excellent to each other.