Kwame Brown predicts ‘circus’ for LeBron James, star-studded Sixers

The 76ers have assembled perhaps the NBA’s most talented lineup. Former No. 1 overall pick Kwame Brown sees something else coming.

A circus.

Speaking on his “Bustlife” podcast, Brown questioned how LeBron James will fit alongside Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown and VJ Edgecombe. His biggest concern is what James’ arrival could mean for Edgecombe after a breakout rookie season.

“If I’m VJ Edgecombe and I had the rookie season that I had, I wouldn’t give a Jiminy Cricket that you’re bringing in a 41-, 42-year-old man who’s talking about legacy,” he said. “I’m thinking about my legacy.”

In Brown’s view, young players are too often asked to limit their own development for the sake of James’ pursuit of another championship.

“Why do I have to stunt my growth?” he said. “That’s a big ask that everyone keeps asking other players to do for LeBron James’ greatness. And my question is, why?”

Brown, who finished his 12-year NBA career with Philadelphia, also wondered how James and Jaylen Brown will coexist. He described Brown as direct and analytical, while portraying James as someone who uses his influence more quietly behind the scenes.

“When those two people meet, I wonder what that’s going to be like,” Kwame Brown said. “That’s going to be interesting.”

Then there is the Rich Paul factor. Several Sixers are represented by Klutch Sports, and Brown suggested James and Paul will carry considerable influence throughout the organization.

“This could be a good thing or this could be a circus,” he said. “Listening to what Rich Paul is saying, I think it’s going to be a circus.”

That’s one way to put it.

The Sixers undoubtedly have enough talent to win the championship. They also have a lot of stars who are accustomed to playing large roles. Someone will have to sacrifice.

Brown’s prediction is that the process of deciding who sacrifices what will become the real show.