A former NBA player on LeBron James: "He has 5-10 years left at the same level"
Evan Turner was the number 2 pick in the NBA Draft in 2010, he has been retired for years but believes that LBJ and Kevin Durant still have some left in them.
The former NBA player believes that the 41-year-old forward still has a lot of basketball ahead of him and highlights his performance in the recent playoffs. He also ranks the Philadelphia 76ers among the top five teams in the competition, while warning about the importance of managing Joel Embiid's minutes and building good team chemistry.
“LeBron is not slowing down”
Evan Turner, who was selected second overall in the 2010 Draft and played for the Philadelphia 76ers from 2010 to 2014, is convinced that LeBron James still has a long way to go in the NBA. The former player, now 37 and who also worked as an assistant coach for the Boston Celtics, believes that the 41-year-old star can extend his career at the highest level for quite some time.
“LeBron has another five or ten years at the same level, just like Kevin Durant,” Turner stated. The former player believes that both veterans still have a lot to offer and that their careers are not pointing to an immediate decline.
“I think LeBron James will play more than two years. He is not slowing down,” he said. Turner particularly emphasized his performance in the recent playoffs, after the Lakers eliminated the Houston Rockets in the first round.
“If we look at what happened after the first playoff series... he eliminated the Houston Rockets, who have a great coach, Ime Udoka, and great young talent, along with Kevin Durant and others, and managed to lead his team past the first round. That is extremely difficult, especially when you lose your two best players. I think he still has a lot of gas left in the tank,” he explained.
Turner believes that the big veteran stars have practically achieved everything they could in their careers. “It’s as if they’re asking themselves: ‘Where do I go now?’ They have nothing more to do. This is a piece of cake!” he commented.
Turner doubts LeBron would keep playing if he wins another ring
The former player also expressed his thoughts on the possibility of LeBron winning his fifth NBA championship, which would leave him one title behind Michael Jordan.
Turner is not sure that the forward would want to continue his career after winning another ring. “Knowing LeBron, I’m not sure if he would come back after winning another ring, unless he really wanted to,” he noted.
The former player recalled that James had already expressed his conviction of being the greatest of all time after defeating the Golden State Warriors. Although Turner understands that the debate over the greatest player in history is subjective, he has his own choice clear.
“He already said, after beating the Warriors, that he considers himself the greatest player of all time, and I think he truly believes it. If we analyze the numbers and statistics... well, I’m from Chicago: for me, Michael Jordan is the greatest of all time (G.O.A.T.). No doubt about it. But in the end, it’s personal. What is enough? What does it mean to be the best? He has reached eight consecutive Finals. Do you understand what I mean? He has achieved a lot. People won’t appreciate what he has done until he is gone,” he stated.
Turner insisted that James’ legacy was solidified long before he turned 30. “LeBron James already solidified his legacy well before he turned 30. We all said: ‘Okay, perfect, his place in history is already secured.’ It’s clear: he doesn’t need that trophy. There came a point where LeBron is basically basketball itself. It’s incredible to think he has been playing for 30 years; it’s absolutely amazing. But I appreciate everything he has shown, the level he maintains, and the real commitment he has always demonstrated,” he emphasized.
“The Sixers have to play chess, not checkers”
Turner also evaluated the possibilities of the Philadelphia 76ers, a roster that includes stars like Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, LeBron James, and Joel Embiid. In his opinion, the available talent places the team among the top five in the NBA.
“The Sixers are definitely one of the top five teams, just based on the talent they have. They possess incredible talent. I have also seen some media content, and I like how things are flowing. It seems LeBron is enjoying his time there. Maxey still has that same smile as always. From what I know of Jaylen Brown, his energy and aura suggest he is also having a good time. I love what I see in their four main figures,” he explained.
The former player believes that the team can achieve great results if they find the right way to utilize their resources. “The Sixers will do very well, as long as they play the right way and approach the season as they should,” he pointed out.
However, Turner cautioned that gathering several stars does not guarantee success alone. To aspire to go far in the playoffs and compete for the title, the Sixers will need cohesion, to understand the best combinations among their players, and to know what strategies to apply in each situation.
“If you aspire to go far in the playoffs and want to be a championship team, you need cohesion. You must know the details: who to best combine with, what strategies work, and whom to turn to in decisive moments,” he added.
Managing Joel Embiid, one of the keys to going far
Turner emphasized the need to manage the minutes and availability of Joel Embiid. In his opinion, Philadelphia must plan the season with the aim of ensuring that their main players arrive in the best possible condition for the playoffs.
The former player suggested limiting Embiid’s participation during the regular season to reduce the wear and tear on the pivot. “I would like him to play only about 55 games a year and, hopefully, in those games, he would be on the court for 28 minutes or less. Do you understand what I mean? It’s about limiting his minutes while ensuring the team knows how to play with him on the court, no matter what,” he explained.
Turner recalled the playoff series against the Boston Celtics, where Embiid delivered a brilliant performance. However, he believes that the lack of continuity and chemistry with the team, caused by his constant injuries, ultimately hindered the Sixers.
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