Are New-Look 76ers Better Than LeBron James' Heat Superteam?

Everyone knows the history of LeBron James. How he came into the league as an 18-year-old playing for the team that lies in his home state. Watching him mature into a star before leaving to chase a championship with Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade down in Miami. 

During his time there he managed to win two championships and create his first championship lineage. Fast forward to today, and we’re talking about this Philadelphia 76ers team in the same manner. 

Here’s something most people fail to realize: this team is better than that Miami Heat squad of the 2010s.

Now most will think this is a crazy thought, but it’s arguably an honest truth. 

Yes, there’s no one like Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, but winning is a team sport, not individualistic. Outside of the 'Big Three,' that roster is bare.  Philadelphia has four All-Stars compared to Miami’s three. Nearly every position is an upgrade.

At the '1' is Mario Chalmers vs. Tyrese Maxey, that’s an easy win for the latter. Wade vs. Edgecombe obviously goes to the former. But Edgecombe could be an unsung hero in this lineup. 

Then it’s James vs. Jaylen Brown, which clearly goes to James, but this doesn’t account for Brown’s ability to play multiple positions. Shane Battier vs. James goes to James easily, considering he is still averaging over 20 points. Rounding out the lineup is Joel Embiid vs. Bosh, and when healthy, Embiid clears Bosh. 

Now some may say this doesn’t compare, but this Heat team struggled against the Dallas Mavericks, who had the same styles of Philadelphia: versatility and experience. You see, the 76ers have two players starting on their roster that know what it takes to win an NBA championship compared to the Heat’s one. 

The usage rate of the star players will even out when you realize most of the players can play and guard multiple positions, while the Heat were stuck in their original lineups. With four starters able to average 20 and potentially lead to a top 10 defensive rating, it’s hard to argue how much better Miami truly is. 

The last factor worth pointing out is the supporting cast. There are way better shooters for Philadelphia than Miami. When it matters most, it was on the 'Big Three' to get the team a bucket, while Philadelphia can look to potentially six players who could have a clutch basket down the stretch. Maxey, Brown, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Embiid could all find themselves in this situation of needing a basket and delivering. 

It’s no question the Miami Heat of yesteryear were an all-time great. But, this 2026-2027 76ers team could be just as good in a shorter timeframe.