Dream Green analyzes the 76ers lineup: James will be the primary ball-handler, and Edgecombe suffers the most.

On July 28, Beijing time, Dream Green analyzed the 76ers' current roster on his podcast, noting that James would be the primary ball-handler and that Edgecombe would suffer the most. Here is his analysis—

This 76ers team boasts one of the most talented starting fives in the league, but fit is a different story.

Everyone must recognize one thing: James will likely shoulder point guard responsibilities. Many envision him playing power forward. However, if Maxey is the primary ball-handler, the pressure is too great: Maxey would need to orchestrate VJ Edgecombe, James, Jaylen Brown, and also manage Embiid. Such an arrangement would be difficult to succeed for both Maxey and the entire 76ers team. ThereforeJames will be the team's first ball-handling option.

The ensuing challenge is ball distribution. Jaylen Brown, Maxey, Embiid, and Edgecombe all need a fixed number of shots, and James will also command the ball, making ball distribution hard to balance. In terms of pure talent, this starting lineup is top-tier, but integration will be difficult. This five-man unit may not be suitable for the entire regular season.

The 76ers have excellent depth, but the players are not as seamlessly connected as everyone imagines; there is no plug-and-play. The team needs a lot of integration and tactical adjustments. Coach Nurse has a heavy burden, and success is by no means guaranteed.

There are also challenges on defense. Jaylen Brown's defensive responsibilities increase, and rookie Edgecombe will have to guard the opponent's top perimeter threat every night, requiring major sacrifices. Edgecombe had a standout rookie season and was expected to make a leap in his second year, but now his tactical role may fall to the team's fifth option.

In this move, the biggest loser is likely Edgecombe. If I were his agent, I would be dissatisfied with the 76ers' summer moves. Previously, when Embiid was out, Edgecombe could be the team's second offensive option; now he may fall to the fifth, a huge drop. He still desires growth and an All-Star push, but the current environment is not friendly to him; he must actively adjust and adapt. Everyone on the team needs to integrate; winning is not simply about assembling stars. The system, rotations, and tactics all require continuous refinement.

Speaking of interior defense: Embiid paired with James against pick-and-rolls will be a major test. With the two playing the four and five, opponents will certainly run frequent pick-and-rolls to target this frontcourt. Embiid was once an elite defender, but last season's knee issues affected his mobility. His health will directly determine the ceiling of this interior defense.

Objectively speaking, 76ers fans will surely be excited about this lineup, but the aforementioned concerns are issues the team needs to address moving forward.

Looking at the entire Eastern Conference landscape, this signing completely changes the competitive situation. The Celtics have declined somewhat; the Knicks are on a strong rise; the Pistons have lost several players and will rely heavily on John Collins, a move that has been questioned externally. The Pistons have size and athleticism advantages; if they gel, they can cause a lot of trouble on defense. The Heat lack consistent outside shooting, making their ceiling uncertain.

The top tier in the East next season will likely be the Knicks and the 76ers, with the Knicks currently more favored. They are the two top championship contenders in the East, and we will wait and see the final regular season standings.