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DeVonta Smith has never hidden his loyalty to the Boston Celtics, but even the Philadelphia Eagles’ star wide receiver can appreciate what the 76ers are attempting to build. Smith was asked Wednesday about the Sixers trading for Jaylen Brown and signing LeBron James, two moves that significantly altered the balance of power in the Eastern Conference.
Smith grew up supporting the Celtics in Amite, Louisiana, and has maintained that allegiance throughout his career with the Eagles. He attended Boston’s NBA Finals games and predicted the Celtics would defeat Philadelphia during the teams’ recent playoff series. Brown’s departure from Boston and arrival in Philadelphia creates an unusual conflict for Smith. The four-time All-Star spent the first 10 seasons of his career with the Celtics before being traded to the Sixers in a package centered around Paul George and draft compensation.
Philadelphia followed that deal by signing James to a two-year contract. James, 41, is entering his 24th NBA season and will pursue the fifth championship of his career alongside Brown, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.
Philadelphia has not won an NBA championship since 1983 or reached the Eastern Conference finals since 2001. Injuries, postseason disappointments and roster turnover have repeatedly prevented the franchise from advancing beyond the second round. Adding Brown and James eliminates any ambiguity about the organization’s current timeline. The Sixers are prioritizing an immediate championship run and accepting the financial and roster risks that accompany it.
Smith is not ready to surrender his Celtics allegiance or begin wearing Sixers colors. His response nevertheless reflects how dramatically Philadelphia’s outlook has changed.
Even one of Boston’s most prominent supporters inside the Eagles’ locker room recognizes what the Sixers are trying to accomplish. Smith may not root for Philadelphia’s NBA team, but he cannot criticize its ambition.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: DeVonta Smith reacts to Sixers landing Jaylen Brown, LeBron James
Continue reading...
Smith grew up supporting the Celtics in Amite, Louisiana, and has maintained that allegiance throughout his career with the Eagles. He attended Boston’s NBA Finals games and predicted the Celtics would defeat Philadelphia during the teams’ recent playoff series. Brown’s departure from Boston and arrival in Philadelphia creates an unusual conflict for Smith. The four-time All-Star spent the first 10 seasons of his career with the Celtics before being traded to the Sixers in a package centered around Paul George and draft compensation.
Philadelphia followed that deal by signing James to a two-year contract. James, 41, is entering his 24th NBA season and will pursue the fifth championship of his career alongside Brown, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.
Philadelphia has not won an NBA championship since 1983 or reached the Eastern Conference finals since 2001. Injuries, postseason disappointments and roster turnover have repeatedly prevented the franchise from advancing beyond the second round. Adding Brown and James eliminates any ambiguity about the organization’s current timeline. The Sixers are prioritizing an immediate championship run and accepting the financial and roster risks that accompany it.
Smith is not ready to surrender his Celtics allegiance or begin wearing Sixers colors. His response nevertheless reflects how dramatically Philadelphia’s outlook has changed.
Even one of Boston’s most prominent supporters inside the Eagles’ locker room recognizes what the Sixers are trying to accomplish. Smith may not root for Philadelphia’s NBA team, but he cannot criticize its ambition.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: DeVonta Smith reacts to Sixers landing Jaylen Brown, LeBron James
Continue reading...
