The Philadelphia 76ers are the most intriguing team in the NBA after the offseason additions of LeBron James and Jaylen Brown.
But one longtime NBA standout isn’t ready to crown them just yet.
Shawn Marion, the four-time All-Star who played with James in Cleveland in 2014-15, said the 76ers could have some chemistry concerns as they try to mesh the newcomers with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and V.J. Edgecombe.
“There are a lot of guys over there and ain’t but one ball,” Marion said in an exclusive interview. “They don’t really call plays anymore so that’s the uniqueness of the game now, but a lot of guys don’t play well without the ball. Every star doesn’t play well together. We see it time and time again. We’re going to see how it rolls out. I’m optimistic, but I want to see what happens.”
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Marion also points out the potential for injuries. James and Embiid have both dealt with several physical issues the past several seasons.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what happens in Philly,” Marion said. “Are they going to be healthy? What are they going to do?”
However it turns out, Marion is among those extremely impressed that James continues to play at a high level at age 41. James is entering his NBA-record 24th season.
“It’s unbelievable,” Marion said. “His longevity is something to be honored.”
Marion unsure if Kyrie Irving will return to stardom
Marion played a pivotal role in the Dallas Mavericks’ championship in 2010-11.
If the Mavericks can get back to the playoffs this season, it will be on the backs of rising star Cooper Flagg and perennial All-Star Kyrie Irving.
Irving missed all of last season with a torn ACL and is now 34 years old. When asked if he thinks Irving can return to standout form in his mid-30s, Marion wasn’t sure.
“I would like to see him back to that top level,” Marion said. “You just don’t know, man. The league is so young and everyone is so talented. I want to see what happens, and how he helps the team.”
One thing Marion won’t question is Irving’s work ethic. They played together for the Cavaliers in 2014-15 and Marion says Irving is doing everything he can to be an impact player this year.
“He’s been working out like crazy with his teammates and doing his little circuit,” Marion said. “He looks good, looks healthy. He could have come back last year but they waited the full year.”
The Mavericks made some changes this offseason, adding No. 9 overall pick Morez Johnson and forward Zaccharie Risacher to the fold to complement Flagg, who was Rookie of the Year a season ago, and Irving.
“Cooper had a great year last year, and now they’ve got some new guys (to help),” Marion said.
Marion: Giannis Antetokounmpo’s skill-set not like mine
Marion was one of the most athletic players in the NBA during his heyday, which included a stint with the Miami Heat.
The Heat upgraded their athleticism quotient considerably this offseason with the trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo, but Marion said his former team is not getting a player that resembled his skill-set.
“No, because Giannis is a center/power forward,” Marion said. “I was a power forward, but I was an undersized power forward. I was able to play the position because I had that will and determination.”
Marion said Antetokounmpo will do the vast majority of his work near the basket, while his own game was more perimeter-oriented.
“He’s a special guy,” Marion said. “A former two-time MVP, NBA champion. Our games are just totally different from each other. He’s a power, inside guy all day. He doesn’t shoot outside at all. He’s just a power guy. I’m finesse. I’m going to shoot the 3 ball and everything.”
