LeBron James took a risk going to the 76ers this offseason. So far, it’s paying off.

When his agent, Rich Paul, revealed on a whiteboard the teams likeliest to sign him in the summer, LeBron James appeared to be choosing among five contenders after he entered free agency: the Philadelphia 76ers, the Miami Heat, the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Denver Nuggets and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

James, in something of a surprise, picked the 76ers. And through the (very) early part of this season, he appears to have chosen wisely.

Philadelphia is 8-1 after a win over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night. The 76ers have the most wins in the NBA entering Friday, and their high-powered starting five has jelled quickly to form an undeniable title contender.

In addition to signing James, Philly traded for swingman Jaylen Brown in the offseason, forming a starting five of James, Brown, Tyrese Maxey, V.J. Edgecombe and Joel Embiid.

Those five players have combined for 36 All-Star selections, five MVP awards and five Finals MVP awards. So it’s perhaps unsurprising the group has been great together on the floor.

In 77 minutes together across five games, the Sixers’ starting five has outscored opponents by 15 points. Philadelphia’s opening quintet is dominating defensively, holding opponents to only 95.4 points per 100 possessions.

Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/sports