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NBA storylines to watch in 2026-27: Can the 76ers sacrifice? Is Victor Wembanyama unstoppable?

The Philadelphia 76ers enter the 2026-27 NBA season with a radical new offensive identity, one that forces their two biggest stars to adapt in ways neither has before. Early preseason data shows Joel Embiid and Jaylen Brown seeing their usage rates drop sharply—Embiid at 28.8% and Brown at 26.2%, nearly 10% less for Brown than last season—while LeBron James takes on a far more central role.

With a league-leading assist rate already in preseason, James is dictating the pace, and the 76ers are embracing an uptempo, three-point-heavy system that prioritizes transitional defense over rebounding. The shift means Embiid and Brown must move away from their signature post-ups and isolation play, instead focusing on screening, off-ball movement, and quicker transitions to complement Tyrese Maxey’s explosive scoring.

Whether this experiment succeeds hinges on how smoothly the team executes these stylistic changes, especially with Embiid and Brown buying into their reduced focal points.

Elsewhere, the league’s offseason has created fresh storylines around dynamic duos reshaping their teams’ trajectories. Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball’s reunion in the Midwest has reignited excitement, while Paul George’s return to Boston alongside Jayson Tatum has already reignited his passion for the game, according to George himself.

These pairings could redefine how their respective teams approach both offense and chemistry, adding another layer of intrigue to a season already packed with strategic shifts.

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