Sixers Have 5 Stars As Backup Option If Paul George Doesn't Join

The Philadelphia 76ers are keeping their options open in case their pursuit of Paul George doesn't pan out according to Keith Pompey. While George remains their primary target, the Sixers have identified five other impactful players they could pursue in free agency or via trade if necessary.

LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers' superstar, is one such option. Despite his age, James remains one of the most dominant players in the league and could provide an immediate boost to the Sixers' championship aspirations. Additionally, they are eyeing New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby, who has shown significant potential and could thrive in Philadelphia's system.

If free agency doesn't yield the desired results, the Sixers are prepared to explore trades to acquire a difference-maker. Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler, Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine, and New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram are among the players drawing interest from Philadelphia. 

Each of these players brings a unique skill set that could complement the Sixers' existing roster and elevate the team to championship contention.

Despite the competition, the Sixers are confident in their ability to lure George to Philadelphia. While the Los Angeles Clippers may be reluctant to offer George a maximum contract extension, the Sixers are prepared to make a competitive offer. With the potential to offer George a four-year, $212 million contract, the Sixers believe they have a real chance of convincing the nine-time All-Star to join their ranks.

George's ties to Southern California may present a hurdle, but the Sixers remain optimistic about their chances. As the offseason progresses, Philadelphia will continue to explore all avenues to bolster its roster and position itself as a legitimate title contender. Whether it's George or another star player, the Sixers are determined to build a championship-caliber team for the upcoming season and beyond.

The Sixers Would Be Better Suited To Go After LeBron James Over Paul George

The argument for the Philadelphia 76ers targeting LeBron James over Paul George holds merit, primarily due to LeBron's superior performance and experience. In his 21st NBA season, LeBron showcased remarkable statistics, averaging 25.7 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game while maintaining impressive shooting percentages of 54.0% from the field and 41.0% from beyond the arc. 

In contrast, Paul George's statistics, while respectable, fall short of LeBron's level of dominance. George averaged 22.66 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, shooting 47.1% from the field and 41.3% from beyond the arc during the season. While George is undoubtedly a talented player, his numbers and impact don't match up to LeBron's, making LeBron the preferable choice for the Sixers

LeBron's proven ability to elevate his game, even at the age of 39, makes him an enticing option for the Sixers. His leadership on and off the court, along with his championship pedigree, could significantly benefit Philadelphia's core, particularly players like Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. 

LeBron's wealth of experience and basketball IQ could help mentor these promising talents, accelerating their development and maximizing their potential.

Moreover, opting for LeBron over George could mitigate the risk of long-term commitments and injury concerns. At 39 years old, LeBron may only require a shorter contract, providing the Sixers with flexibility in the future. In contrast, George, at 34 years old, may demand a longer contract, potentially tying up valuable resources for an extended period.

Considering George's injury history compared to LeBron's relatively durable track record, LeBron may present a safer investment for the Sixers. While no player is immune to injuries, LeBron's conditioning and longevity in the league suggest a lower risk of significant health issues compared to George.

Furthermore, LeBron's impact extends beyond his on-court performance, as he brings invaluable leadership and championship experience to any team he joins. His presence alone could transform the Sixers into legitimate title contenders, instilling a winning culture and providing invaluable guidance to the team's younger players.