Former Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant recently sparked a debate between the 2016-17 Warriors and the 2026-27 Philadelphia 76ers, speculating about which team is stronger on paper. Durant took to Instagram to say, "Ain’t close. Joel, MVP recently. Jaylen Brown, recent Finals MVP. Tyrese Maxey, All-Star the last three years. We all know what LeBron does. Klay Thompson, never a MVP candidate in nothing, 22 points per game. Draymond, 14 points per game, seven rebounds and six assists. Steph (Curry) is an MVP just like Joel (Embiid) was. I don’t get how the Warriors team is better on paper."
Although Durant caught flack for his comments, especially from previous teammates Draymond Green and Klay Thompson, it's difficult to argue with the
current Houston Rockets forward. Jaylen Brown recently finished sixth in MVP voting, coming off of the best season of his career. Tyrese Maxey averaged 28.3 points per game last year, not to mention Joel Embiid, who averaged 26.1 and is three seasons removed from an MVP award. Additionally, despite his age, LeBron James is one of the greatest players in NBA history, and VJ Edgecombe is one of the game's brightest young stars.
While this collection of players may not fit together as strongly as the 2016-17 Warriors did and would likely come nowhere near the mark of 67-15 set by Golden State, the 2026-27 Sixers do appear to be stronger on paper, which was Durant's original claim.
This article originally appeared on Warriors Wire: Kevin Durant sparks debate over 2016-17 Warriors and current 76ers
