PHILADELPHIA.- The demanding fans of the Philadelphia 76ers She lives accustomed to disappointments after 43 years without titles, but she wants to believe that, with LeBron James and a truly luxurious squad, this season will be the good one.
“We’ve never had a team like this,” he says enthusiastically. Kairee Harvey32-year-old police officer and unconditional fan of ‘King’ James.
“I still don’t believe it. I’m still a bit in a dream,” admits this resident of the neighboring state of New Jersey about the arrival this summer of the team’s all-time leading scorer NBA.
Philadelphia has the quintet with the most concentrated talent in the NBA and probably in the history of the franchise.
Show off two award winners MVP season (LeBron and Joel Embiid), he 2024 Finals MVP (Jaylen Brown), another All-Star figure, Tyrese Maxeyand one of the most promising young people in the competition, VJ Edgecombe.
But the so-called “City of Brotherly Love” learned long ago that big names are not enough to bring trophies.
The Sixers have had numerous stars in recent decades, from Charles Barkley to Embiid, passing by Allen Iversonbut no one gave him a new ring since the one in 1983.
“Philly fans tend to be cautious,” confirms Rob Neroa local artist who has made several works depicting Sixers players, displayed on walls in every corner of the city.
“We’re so used to seeing our dreams and our hearts shattered,” he says, “but that will never stop us from getting excited and believing in our team.”
“At the top of the city”
On Friday, in the last preseason game, in the Xfinity Mobile Arena The billboard was completed in a general atmosphere of hope.
“They have disappointed me several times, but I will always be there to support them,” he says. Laurie Ney accompanied by two Yorkshire Terriers dressed, like her, in a local team t-shirt.
Historically, Philadelphia has been the city of Eagleshis American football franchise. The green color of the Águilas, champions of the superbowl In 2025, he clearly imposes himself on the streets in the blue of the Sixers.
Until last year, Matthew Merovitza young professional, would even have placed the Phillies, of the Major League Baseballin second place on the popularity barometer.
But while the Sixers have re-emerged as clear contenders for the title, the Phillies recently fell first in the playoffs and the Eagles have a gloomy prognosis with the indefinite loss of their star, Jalen Hurts.
“This season, when you see where everyone else is, I would say the Sixers are at the top of the city,” notes Merovitz, dressed in a LeBron jersey.
“Become a team”
Starting on Tuesday, the opening day of the NBA, it will be tested whether the Sixers’ results live up to expectations.
The hierarchies in a group that brings together so many stars, with their respective egos, are yet to be defined and there are many fans who believe that it will be the recently arrived Brown, a figure of the Celtics for a decade, who will take over.
“It’s a group of good players. They just have to become a team,” he summarizes. Brian Yoderseptuagenarian who met the Sixers champions of Julius Erving and Moses Malone.
That 1983 squad, which overwhelmed the Lakers of Magic Johnson in the Finals (4-0), he also took a great leap forward with the arrival at the beginning of the season of the current MVP, Malone.
“The mayonnaise curdled,” Yoder recalls, “that’s what made it great.”
“I can’t wait to see them (lift the trophy) next year,” he told AFP. Clemon Johnsonone of the heroes of the 1983 odyssey.
The desired title is the minimum that LeBron and the other veterans on the roster will need to make a place in the hearts of the Sixers, who have not been competitive in the playoffs since the era of the iconic Iverson, leader of the runner-up team in 2001.
“If we don’t get it this season or next” (James has signed a two-year contract), he warns Elijah Davis salesman at vintage t-shirt store Mitchell & Ness, “I don’t know if it will be the end for this leadership, but there will be changes to make.”
