LeBron James’ arrival in Philadelphia gives basketball fans another reason to celebrate. The NBA’s oldest active player is preparing for his record 24th season, bringing four NBA championships and a résumé that has made him one of the greatest players in league history.
In addition to the building anticipation of a 76ers starting lineup that is widely projected to be the best in the NBA — we now have perhaps the best ever player in NBA history in LeBron James. Center Joel Embiid returns to the court with a Gold Medal in the 2024 Olympic Games as well as two NBA scoring titles. Tyrese Maxey isn’t just a two-time NBA All-Star — he’s also become the leader of the Sixers both on and off the court.
Recently acquired forward and guard Jaylen Brown brings with him multiple All-Star selections as well as an NBA Finals MVP and second-year shooting guard VJ Edgecombe is an NBA All-Rookie First-Team.
And although this looks like the most talented basketball starting lineup in Philadelphia history, this isn’t the first Dream Team in the City of Brotherly Love.
The 1955-1956 Philadelphia Warriors weren’t just full of talent. They were full of Philadelphia talent. Bob Schafer graduated from Roman Catholic in Philadelphia and both he and Larry Hennessey played at Villanova. And Ernie Beck graduated from West Philadelphia Catholic High School and played at the University of Penn. George Dempsey was also born in Philadelphia.
Anchoring the team was Paul Arizin, who not only also played for Villanova, but also left his career with the 3rd highest career point total in the history of the NBA and was named to the NBA’s anniversary teams at (25, 50, and 75).
The Warriors also had one of the greatest college basketball players in history in Tom Gola.
After leading LaSalle College High School to both a Philadelphia Catholic League Championship and a Philadelphia High School City Championship in 1950, Gola then attended LaSalle Universi
Under new Head Coach George Senesky, the 1956 Philadelphia Warriors were a top seed at 45–27. After defeating Syracuse three games to two in the opening round of the NBA Playoffs and then defeated the Fort Wayne Pistons four games to one in the Finals to capture Philadelphia’s second NBA Championship.
One of the best starting lineups in NBA history — the 1955–1956 Philadelphia Warriors finished with two NBA First-Team players, one NBA Second-Team Player, and three All-Stars.
LaSalle University’s brand-new plaza and drive near the new arena were named after Tom Gola in 2024.
And that Syracuse franchise that the Warriors defeated in the first round of the 1956 NBA Playoffs? In 1963, they would become the Philadelphia 76ers.
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