NBA reporter optimistic about new 76ers: stronger than the Big Three Heat, could win title soon

On August 1, Beijing time, NBA reporter JMar Smith wrote an article comparing the current 76ers to the Heat that LeBron James played for. He believes the 76ers are stronger than that Heat team and could win a championship soon. Here is his analysis—

Everyone knows LeBron's career story: entering the league at 18, starting his career with his hometown team. Fans watched him grow into a superstar, then he left for Miami to team up with Bosh and Wade in pursuit of a championship.

During his time with the Heat, he won two championships, building his first championship dynasty. Fast forward to the present, people are talking about the Philadelphia 76ers in the same tone as they did about that Heat team back then.

Most people haven't realized one thing: this 76ers team is stronger than the Heat of the 2010s. Many may find this view unbelievable, but it might be the objective truth.

Admittedly, the 76ers don't seem to have stars of Wade and Bosh's caliber, but winning relies on team basketball, not just individual talent. Besides the Big Three, the Heat's rotation was quite thin. The 76ers have four All-Stars, while the Heat had only three, and they have upgraded at almost every position.

Point guard: Chalmers vs. Maxey, the latter has a clear advantage.

Shooting guard: Wade vs. Edjikum, Wade undoubtedly wins. However, Edjikum could be a low-key key player in this lineup.

Small forward: LeBron vs. Jaylen Brown, LeBron has the edge, but Brown's ability to play multiple positions cannot be overlooked.

Power forward: Battier vs. James, considering James now averages over 20 points per game, James wins easily.

Center: Bosh vs. Embiid. As long as he stays healthy, Embiid is clearly superior to Bosh.

Some may think this comparison is unfair, but that Heat team lost in the Finals to the Dallas Mavericks, who had exactly the traits of today's 76ers: a versatile and experienced roster. Notably, the 76ers' starting lineup has two players with championship experience, while the Heat's starting five had only one player with a title resume.

This 76ers team has multiple players who can play multiple positions and switch on different opponents, leading to a more balanced distribution of star player touches. In contrast, the Heat relied heavily on a fixed starting lineup. Four starters are capable of averaging 20 points per game, and the team could also challenge for a top-10 defensive rating. It's hard to say that Heat team was clearly stronger.

The last key factor: the role player lineup. The 76ers' group of shooters is far superior to the Heat's. In clutch moments, the Heat could only rely on the Big Three to score, but the 76ers have up to six players who can hit a game-winning shot. Maxey, Jaylen Brown, Pope, and Embiid all have the chance to step up and score in decisive moments.

Undoubtedly, that Heat team was a historic powerhouse. But this 2026-27 76ers team has the potential to win a championship in the near future.