MIAMI, Fla. – How does the Miami Heat’s roster compare to the Philadelphia 76ers’ loaded stardom?

Here’s a breakdown by position:

The Philadelphia 76ers are reportedly playing LeBron James at point guard. He had championship success in that role in 2020 with the Los Angeles Lakers at the Orlando NBA Bubble. In that same year, James led the league with a 10.2-assist average in 67 games. The 41-year-old superstar is known to have one of the best basketball IQ’s in league history.

Anfernee Simons will likely be backing up James at point guard. He provides a scoring punch off the bench and can facilitate.

Meanwhile, the Heat will have Davion Mitchell running the offense at point guard. He’s coming off a career-high season with a 6.5-assist average. Given the additions of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Klay Thompson, and Tim Hardaway Jr., Mitchell’s assist production has a good chance to increase.

Dru Smith is likely to be the Heat’s backup option. He’s not the flashiest point guard, but provides a two-way impact.

The Sixers take the matchup.

Given Thompson’s latest addition, he is projected to start alongside Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. He’s one of the most prolific three-point shooters in league history. The Heat will generate open looks for Thompson with Antetokounmpo and Adebayo breaking down opposing defenses from the middle.

If the 36-year-old starts, then Hardaway Jr. is the backup. He’s coming off a top-three Sixth Man of the Year campaign.

Two-time All-Star Tyrese Maxey is projected to move over at shooting guard. He’s coming off a career season: 28.3 points on 46.2 percent shooting, 4.1 rebounds, and 6.6 assists in 70 games (all starts). Maxey earned Third Team All-NBA honors and finished seventh in Clutch Player of the Year voting.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is likely the backup option. The two-time championship veteran has given the Heat problems before, especially on the biggest stages. Caldwell-Pope can impact both sides of the court.

It’s a close matchup, but the Heat have the edge by having a four-time champion.

The Heat retained and extended Andrew Wiggins this summer, making him the clear frontrunner to start at small forward. He’s coming off a productive season, including shooting over 40 percent from the field and three-point range, which is a first.

Simone Fontecchio’s shooting is likely to secure him the backup role. He’s been impactful defensively.

Former Finals MVP and five-time All-Star Jaylen Brown is strongly the Sixers’ new starting small forward. He’s coming off an MVP-caliber season: 28.7 points on 47.7 percent shooting, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists in 71 games (all starts).

Justin Edwards is the suitable option to back up Brown. Although he’s not a flashy scorer, defense and three-point shooting earn him minutes.

It’s another close matchup, but the Sixers have an edge.

It’s no secret Antetokounmpo is starting at power forward. Coming off an injury-riddled season, the 31-year-old still has plenty of dominance left. Antetokounmpo can take over a game on a given night.

Bobby Portis Jr. is projected as the backup power forward. He’s a notorious defender who can space the floor.

The Sixers will likely start Dean Wade, who’s a reliable three-point shooter with a lengthy 6-9 and 228-pound frame. Backing him is likely Jabari Walker.

The Heat take this matchup.

Obviously, three-time All-Star and six-time All-Defense Bam Adebayo is the Heat’s starting center. Nick Richards, 6-11 and 245 pounds, will likely be the backup.

Joel Embiid is the Sixers’ preferred starting center, but health concerns could cause another year of turmoil. Ariel Hukporti and Adem Bona are other bigs on the roster.

From a stability standpoint, the Heat take this matchup.

Anthony Aguirre covers the Miami Hurricanes, Miami Heat, and Miami Marlins for Roundtable Sports. Contact info for tips/info: [email protected] & 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports