It already felt like the NBA had an easy decision on its hands. Putting the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers in a rivalry clash on Christmas felt like a layup.
What better time to have Jaylen Brown return to TD Garden than on the marquee date on the league's regular-season calendar?
Now that LeBron James is joining the Sixers, it must be done.
Even with the possibility of the New York Knicks hosting the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden, Boston vs. Philadelphia is the potential Christmas contest with the most juice.
Now that the NBA is forced to compete against the NFL that day, making this matchup a part of the festivities matters more than ever.
Should the Celtics and 76ers play in Philadelphia on Christmas?
Signing LeBron James, arguably the greatest player in league history, is a move that carries considerable weight.
The league was waiting on his decision before it could craft its regular-season schedule. It now figures to include the 76ers on national television as much as possible.
However, when it comes to the idea of them squaring off with the Celtics on Christmas, that game should still be in Boston. It's the perfect time for Brown to return to the place he spent the first decade of his career.
What if the Celtics and Sixers square off on opening night?
There's also the possibility that these two storied organizations see each other on opening night. It's another move that would maximize drama on a critical day on the NBA's calendar.
If that accounts for one of the four regular-season tilts between these two teams, then it would make sense to hold it in the City of Brotherly Love.
Let James's first appearance with the Sixers be in Philadelphia. Save Brown's first trip back to Boston for Christmas.
As for the two preseason tilts between the Celtics and 76ers? There's no guarantee that either star will be in the lineup for those contests. The same goes for Jayson Tatum. Even if they are, those figure to be cameos. Those clashes certainly don't carry the same weight as when they go toe-to-toe in a non-exhibition setting.
That's the type of box office drama reserved for special occasions, like opening night. Pitting Boston against Philadelphia as James is introduced to his new home crowd for the first time would be gripping.
Having the future first-ballot Hall of Famer flanking Brown on the TD Garden parquet on Christmas almost feels mandatory. It's an opportunity too compelling for the NBA to pass up.
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