Derek Fisher speaks on how Jaylen Brown's drawing power helped the 76ers build the team originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Before the 2026 offseason started, the Philadelphia 76ers were set to run it back with a few tweaks. It would have been a good move, especially if they were banking on V.J. Edgecombe continuing to develop under the tutelage of Paul George.

That was not what happened because the 76ers' front office made some blockbuster moves, starting with the trade for Jaylen Brown. That move then affected the rest of the summer because they would proceed to sign LeBron James to a low-value deal and many more players.

Derek Fisher celebrates Jaylen Brown's impact with the 76ers' roster construction

For a decade, Brown was one of the stars on the Boston Celtics. Of course, it seems Jayson Tatum was always the favorite, but Brown managed to hold his own. He even managed to win the Finals MVP award over his longtime running mate.

Without Tatum for most of the 2025-26 season, Brown was the star player for Boston. They did not miss a beat because of Brown's magnificent performances. He finished the season as an All-NBA Second Team player after averaging 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game.

MORE: Jaylen Brown and his new 76ers teammates are hard at work in the summer

Five-time NBA champion Derek Fisher knows how certain players can draw new teammates in with their mere presence. He saw that with Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal back in the day, but it seems he is also seeing it with Brown based on this 2026 offseason.

"I don't think he would have gone if Jaylen Brown was not there. I think that decision right now, if you're a veteran guy who's looking for an opportunity to be on a championship-contending team, an addition like Jaylen Brown to where Philly was, put Philly on that short list of teams," Fisher said on SiriusXM NBA Radio.

Now, the 76ers are enjoying their status as newly anointed contenders. It will be challenging for any team to beat them, especially with the loaded starting lineup. Beyond that, they also have impressive depth, and that could win them the championship come June 2027.

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  • LeBron James is set to have career-low numbers in the 2026-27 season with the 76ers
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  • Jason Kidd believes LeBron James joining the 76ers makes them contenders
  • Jaylen Brown makes an emotional farewell to the Boston Celtics fans after his trade