Before the season started, the thought that LeBron James would consider Philadelphia as the next stop on his unabashed ring hunt was sort of silly.

Apparently, it’s not that silly anymore. Per Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today:

If James, who can become a free agent after this season, decides to leave the Cavaliers, he could – and should – consider the 76ers, and executives around the league believe Sixers president of basketball operations Bryan Colangelo will attempt to sign James. The Sixers are an intriguing possibility, and if James’ goal remains competing for championships and Cleveland is no longer the place, the Sixers can make a compelling case.

Why the Sixers? What do all aging power players seek out as their physical gifts decline but their wisdom and experience rise? Talent and youth:

As James gets older (he turns 33 on Dec 30), he will need a younger team filled with All-Star caliber players. The Sixers check those boxes. Simmons is 21, Embiid 23, Saric 23, Fultz 19, Covington 26, and Philadelphia has the second-youngest team and the third-most inexperienced roster in the NBA this season.

And oh dear, just look at what the team might look like next season if James comes to Philadelphia: “James, Simmons, Embiid, Covington, Redick in the starting lineup with Saric, Fultz, Johnson, T.J. McConnell, Richaun Holmes and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot off the bench.”

That starting five would undoubtedly be among the very best in the Eastern Conference, even if Fultz continues to be a question mark. But the mind reels. If Fultz improves, if the Sixers sign one more impact veteran to a cap-friendly deal, if Saric or Holmes keep developing — look the hell out.

The Sixers’ young talent isn’t the only draw, either:

Dare to dream.