"I Didn't Leave My Family to Lose in the Second Round": LeBron's 76ers Debut Leads NBA Media Day
LeBron James set title expectations in Philadelphia at NBA media day, while Jalen Duren skipped Pistons duties over a contract standoff.
Monday, 28 September, was media day for 28 of the NBA's 30 teams, and one face in a new jersey dominated the coverage. LeBron James spoke for the first time as a Philadelphia 76er and made it clear what he expects from his new team.
For Malaysian fans, it is a reminder that the new NBA season is close, with training camps opening this week.
LeBron sets the bar high
James, 41, joined Philadelphia in free agency this summer after the 76ers traded for Jaylen Brown. He did not play down expectations.
"I didn't leave my family to lose in the second round," James said, according to PhillyVoice and CNN.
He said his relationship with Tyrese Maxey was a big reason for choosing Philadelphia, calling the guard "one of the main deciding factors". James said he had a list of five teams, and NBA.com reports that he and Maxey have trained together since 2020.
Sacrifice and patience
James also spoke about sharing the ball in a roster with several star players. According to NBA.com, he said giving up "one or two more shots" can leave players with extra energy for the fourth quarter.
He warned that chemistry will not come overnight, saying it "takes time" and that the team would need to do things that are "not comfortable".
Maxey said the roster gives him the chance to play off the ball more, with more catch-and-shoot opportunities. Joel Embiid looked noticeably slimmer but kept the details of his offseason to himself, saying only that he felt good.
Duren stays away from Detroit
The other big story came from a player who was not there. Pistons centre Jalen Duren skipped media day as his restricted free agency dispute with Detroit continues.
According to CBS Sports, citing ESPN reporting:
- The Pistons have offered around US$200 million over five years, up from an earlier offer of about US$190 million.
- Duren is eligible for up to about US$287 million over five years under the Rose Rule.
- His one-year qualifying offer is worth US$9.6 million.
- The deadline to accept the qualifying offer or agree a new deal is 1 October, unless Detroit extends it.
Duren's representatives have said the dispute is "no longer about the money", with the 22-year-old reported to feel disrespected. He averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds last season and made the All-NBA Third Team.
Kawhi looks ahead in Toronto
In Toronto, Kawhi Leonard told reporters he wants to move forward after an NBA investigation into the LA Clippers' salary cap practices, according to Yahoo Sports.
What comes next
The Knicks begin their title defence as reigning champions. Media day is the last stop before training camps, and the Philadelphia experiment with James, Brown, Embiid and Maxey will be one of the storylines to follow once games start.
Key takeaways
- LeBron James made his first appearance as a 76er and said he did not move to lose in the second round.
- James named Tyrese Maxey as a main reason for choosing Philadelphia.
- Jalen Duren skipped Pistons media day, with a qualifying offer deadline of 1 October.
- Kawhi Leonard said he wants to move forward after the NBA's Clippers investigation.
FAQ
Why did LeBron James choose the 76ers? He said his relationship with Tyrese Maxey was one of the main deciding factors, after the Sixers traded for Jaylen Brown.
Why did Jalen Duren miss Pistons media day? He is in a contract standoff with Detroit as a restricted free agent. Reports say his camp feels disrespected and that it is no longer about money.
When is the Duren deadline? 1 October, unless the Pistons extend it.
Sources: NBA.com, PhillyVoice, CNN, CBS Sports, ESPN, Yahoo Sports