Orlando Magic Legend Makes Bold Statement on Lebron James Joining 76ers

Orlando Magic legend and current Memphis Tigers head coach Penny Hardaway was interviewed on the red carpet recently, expressing his current thoughts on the current state of the NBA and being the pioneer of bigger guards trending in the NBA. 

He reflected on the evolution of the NBA and the rise of bigger guards who can create for themselves and their teammates.

When discussing current players whose styles remind him of his own game, Hardaway pointed to Jayson Tatum and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Both bigger but contain the size of players smaller than them. He noted both players have the size and versatility to handle the ball, make decisions and create opportunities for themselves while also facilitating for their teammates.

Hardaway believes the modern game has continued to build on the foundation established by legendary oversized playmakers such as Oscar Robertson and Magic Johnson, two players he looked up to growing up. He was the direct embodiment of the trend during the 90’s and now it’s only continued to progress in the current league. He views himself as part of that progression and believes today's bigger guards are continuing that same evolution.

He also praised the direction basketball has taken, particularly the freedom players now have offensively and the increased emphasis on three-point shooting, which he believes has dramatically changed the way the game is played.

Hardaway was also surprised by two major moves involving the Eastern Conference during the offseason: the Celtics moving Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia and LeBron James joining the 76ers.

Despite the surprise, Hardaway fully supports James' decision to play in Philadelphia and believes the veteran superstar deserves the backing that comes with making such a move.

"That's always going to be the pressure whenever LeBron goes somewhere," Hardaway said. "Because that's why he goes there—he feels like that team can win. So I'm sure they want that pressure. Pressure's okay."

With James now in Philadelphia alongside Brown, Hardaway believes the expectations will immediately be enormous. He explained that championship pressure follows James wherever he goes because he typically chooses situations where he believes the team has a legitimate chance to compete for a title.

For the Magic, Philadelphia is yet another team amongst a stacked Eastern Conference they will need to contend with for a top seed at the end of the season.

For Hardaway, that pressure is not necessarily a negative. Instead, it is part of what comes with putting together a roster that believes it can win at the highest level.

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