What happened: With LeBron James now on the Sixers, the projected starting five of Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown, James and Joel Embiid pairs two former Finals MVPs in Brown and James for the first time. Analysts point to James's passing as the unit's clearest advantage, since defenses have leaned on blitzing Maxey and doubling Embiid in the post in recent seasons. Coach Nick Nurse gains added lineup flexibility, including the option to use James at point guard when Maxey rests or at center in Embiid-less stretches.

Why it matters: Health has repeatedly capped the Sixers' ceiling, with Embiid playing under 40 games in three straight seasons and Maxey logging at least 37.5 minutes each of those years. Adding a proven table-setter in James gives Philadelphia insurance if any of its top three are sidelined, while also easing the offensive burden that produced what team president Bob Myers called a lack of identity on either end of the floor.

What to watch: Watch how Nurse allocates minutes between Maxey, Edgecombe and James once training camp opens, and whether Embiid's health holds up through the preseason.