The Philadelphia 76ers brought in LeBron James to win an NBA championship, but one ESPN insider doesn’t like their chances in the Eastern Conference.
It’s been a tremendous offseason for the Sixers, who lured James to Philly after trading for former Boston Celtics superstar Jaylen Brown. Now, the four-time NBA champion faces immense pressure to deliver with a talented group of players surrounding him.
Brian Windhorst, who has been covering James’ career for over two decades, doesn’t seem confident that the 76ers are getting to the NBA Finals in 2026. In fact, his comments suggest he’s not viewing Philly as one of the best teams in the East.
The Sixers have to deal with several elite teams in their conference, including the defending-champion New York Knicks.
MORE: Surprise 76ers star wants credit for bringing LeBron James to Philly
NBA insider doesn’t like 76ers’ chances
Brian Windhorst doesn’t view the Philadelphia 76ers as a top-6 team in the Eastern Conference
Windhorst: “Name me the teams you feel strongly are definitely top six in the East.”
Goodwill: “Maybe New York and Philly.”
Windhorst: “I don’t even have Philly on there” pic.twitter.com/WFR2lTUwip
— NBABase (@TheNBABase) September 30, 2026
During a recent episode of Brian Windhorst & the Hoops Collective podcast, the ESPN personality delivered quite the hot take as he and Vince Goodwill were discussing the current state of the East heading into the 2026-27 season.
That’s when Goodwill named the Knicks and Sixers as the two most likely teams to represent the conference. But Windhorst was quick to disagree with that sentiment.
“I don’t even have Philly on there,” Windhorst said regarding how he views the East’s top six teams.
On paper, Philadelphia has one of the most talented starting fives in the league. LeBron and Brown are joined by Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe and Joel Embiid, which creates a matchup nightmare for opposing teams.
How do the Sixers actually stack up in the East, though?
MORE: 4 NBA veterans who will surprise this season
Realistic expectations
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) reacts next to guard Tyrese Maxey (0) after a foul call during the third quarter of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The Knicks are undoubtedly still the team to beat until somebody can take down Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns and crew. Unfortunately for Philly, there are several other strong contenders that need to be dealt with as well.
The Celtics and Pacers have made deep playoff runs in recent seasons, and both teams feature elite superstars in Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton, respectively. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s move to Miami makes the Heat a serious threat as well.
There’s certainly a world where LeBron and the Sixers make the NBA Finals in Year 1. But it’s just as likely that they aren’t able to get out of the East, falling short as the Knicks and other teams vie for supremacy.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —