Despite the Obvious, NBA Champion Believes LeBron James Isn't 76ers' Leader

LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers: This is what many people are saying whenever they talk about the 76ers and their new roster. Well, Channing Frye thinks people need to stop labeling the team like James is the star. 

Frye appeared on the Road Trippin Show, and he made the notion that people have to stop acting like James is the best player on this team. While he may have been brought on this team to elevate them, it’s not with what he does with the ball physically; it's more about what he does mentally while on the floor. The hardwood is his oyster as his basketball IQ rings true.

The best player on this team is Joel Embiid. Without a shadow of a doubt, when healthy, Embiid provides the 76ers with their best chance to win the game.  Frye emphasized that as well. The notion that the guy who helped keep the 76ers in playoff contention would be relegated to second best is quite the narrative. 

There’s a reason James wants to be nearly last on the list when it comes to the pecking order. If Embiid is the best player on the floor, then the second best is Jaylen Brown. Brown was brought over to ensure there was help for both ends of the floor. Brown is the most important piece after all. 

The third option is James, but one could make the case that it’s Tyrese Maxey. We can’t just forget about him averaging a career-best 28 points per game and earning All-NBA honors. James is here to assist, not be the top option for the team. Even though James has the experience, the rest of the roster has the youth. What Maxey can do is unlike anyone else on the floor. He’s a volume shooter that can get a bucket however he sees fit.

If Maxey is to be considered as the third option, obviously James is fourth, and that's just how he wants it. The key is to have him do other things outside of scoring. He is 42, for crying out loud. This isn’t LeBron’s team, so no one should be expecting him to join and blow the roof off with his scoring. Instead, expect a methodical approach that gets everyone else hot and allows him to lie in wait. When that happens, then you’ll see glimpses of the old LeBron come out and take over. 

Again, many have to understand, James isn’t the star; he’s just a guide to give the 76ers a tour to the Finals.