Since the Philadelphia 76ers selected Joel Embiid in the 2014 draft, the franchise has built around the 7-foot center. It has not always gone smoothly, as Embiid has sustained several injuries, curtailing the team’s postseason hopes. Now, with the 76ers agreeing to a two-year deal with LeBron James, they do not have to worry as much about Embiid’s health.

By signing James, the 76ers culminated a busy offseason that puts them as a favorite for the Eastern Conference title and in contention for their first NBA championship since 1983. Two days after the 76ers lost to the New York Knicks in a four-game sweep in the second round of the playoffs in May, managing partner Josh Harris fired Daryl Morey, who had been president of basketball operations for six seasons.

In late May, the 76ers hired Cleveland Cavaliers general manager Mike Gansey as Morey’s replacement, thanks to the input of former Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers, who is the president of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, which owns the 76ers and New Jersey Devils.

At that time, it seemed highly unlikely James would join the 76ers. He even admitted on X that he thought his career was over after the Los Angeles Lakers........

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