Following LeBron James’ Friday decision to join Philadelphia, The Post analyzes the top 10 players for both the Knicks and the 76ers, who are poised to clash as major Eastern Conference powerhouses next year:
76ers
Anticipated starting lineup (player, age, 2025-26 scoring average)
LeBron James, 41, 20.9
An all-time basketball icon declared this move to be his final career choice. Could this journey culminate in one last championship for his legendary run?
Jaylen Brown, 29, 28.7
Obtained via a major trade earlier in the month, the former Boston standout functioned as their main offensive engine during Jayson Tatum’s absences, but he is set to return to a supporting role here.
Joel Embiid, 32, 26.9
Plagued by injuries, the 7-foot center has appeared in only 59 total regular-season matchups over the past two years. While the former MVP remains a dominant force when healthy, his availability remains a significant question mark.
Tyrese Maxey, 25, 28.3
While he remains an essential building block for Philadelphia’s future, the influx of superstar talent around him suggests the guard—secured on a $204 million contract—won’t have to carry the load of taking 21.4 shots nightly.
VJ Edgecombe, 20, 16.0
Securing third place in the Rookie of the Year race last season, Edgecombe rounds out this newly constructed starting unit. His dynamic off-the-dribble playmaking should help open up lanes for his high-profile teammates.
Reserves
Anfernee Simons, 27, 14.3
The veteran guard committed to a two-year free-agent contract with Philadelphia, bolstering their backcourt depth behind Maxey and Edgecombe.
Dean Wade, 29, 5.8
The front office showed substantial commitment to Wade this summer, securing the former Cleveland forward on a long-term four-year contract valued at $39 million.
Labaron Philon, 20, 22.0 (Alabama)
Selected by Philadelphia in the first round of the June draft, the rookie guard turned heads in Summer League with averages of 18.5 points and 5.8 assists.
Dominick Barlow, 23, 7.7
Barring major injury troubles, the team will not require Barlow to handle 59 starts this year, allowing him to focus on injecting energy as a reserve.
Ariel Hukporti, 24, 2.2
While Aden Bona or Justin Edwards (who earned 12 starts and hit 37.2 percent of his deep shots last year) were options here, Hukporti—who filled the third-string center role for New York last season—joined on a one-year contract to challenge Bona for backup minutes behind Embiid.
Knicks
Anticipated starting lineup (player, age, 2025-26 scoring average)
Jalen Brunson, 29, 26.0
New York’s campaign to defend their title hinges on their leader, who cemented legendary status by guiding the franchise to break its 53-year title drought.
Karl-Anthony Towns, 30, 20.1
Though Towns experienced an adjustment period full of ups and downs in his debut year under coach Mike Brown, he rendered those initial struggles irrelevant with an outstanding postseason showing.
OG Anunoby, 29, 16.7
Signed to the most lucrative contract in franchise history at $212.5 million, Anunoby delivered a legendary postseason memory with his game-winning tip-in in Game 4 of the Finals, while continually refining his offensive skillset.
Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby celebrating their victory during the NBA Finals. Jason Szenes for the New York Post
Mikal Bridges, 29, 14.4
Bridges put to rest any skepticism surrounding the five first-round assets traded for him during New York’s title campaign, though he must now prove he can sustain that high level of play over an entire year.
Josh Hart, 31, 12.0
A constant threat to post a double-double and ready to take on any challenge, Hart has become an indispensable element of the squad as he heads into his fourth full season in New York.
Reserves
Miles McBride, 25, 12.0
Though his highly cost-effective deal is nearing its conclusion, McBride—a premium reserve who can seamlessly step into the starting lineup—will play out the final season of his three-year, $13 million agreement in 2026-27.
Landry Shamet, 29, 9.3
After battling physical setbacks and playing on a non-guaranteed agreement, Shamet secured his legacy in New York with crucial bench contributions during the postseason, earning a lucrative four-year, $24 million deal in the process.
Andre Drummond, 32, 6.4
Drummond transitioned from Philadelphia to New York on a one-year, $3.9 million free-agent deal, stepping into the backup center role behind Towns to fill in for Mitchell Robinson.
Jordan Clarkson, 34, 8.6
The veteran and former Sixth Man of the Year showed he remains an effective contributor, even if his role and statistical output have evolved from his prime years.
Known as a high-energy backup guard who changes the game’s tempo off the bench, Alvarado prolonged his tenure with his hometown team by signing a three-year extension last month.
