From PhillyVoice · · 2m
Former Sixers President Pat Croce on spirituality for LeBron's team
Pat Croce links locker room spirituality to LeBron James' Sixers success.
In brief
Pat Croce links locker room spirituality to LeBron James' Sixers success. Former Sixers president Pat Croce says spirituality and sacrifice will help LeBron James' team win this NBA season. Originally reported by PhillyVoice.
Pat Croce's spiritual advice
Former Sixers president Pat Croce says spirituality and sacrifice will be key to LeBron James and company finding success this year.
“I've been blessed with attempting to take the truth, these understandings, and tailor them to what I call 'locker room spirituality'”
Croce's 2001 Sixers legacy
Croce led the 2001 Sixers to the NBA Finals before stepping down in July 2001 after a falling out with Ed Snider.
“See Ya Later, Motivator”
Croce's spiritual journey
Croce started his spiritual journey in 2015 after reading a quote from travel writer Pico Iyer about changing one's mind.
“So much of our life takes place in our heads, memory or imagination or interpretation or speculation, that if I really want to change my life, I might best begin by changing my mind”
Croce's current role
Croce is a teacher of mindfulness and meditation with a 53-acre Meditation Hill retreat in the Philly suburbs.
“Enjoy Your Self Now! 66 Sacred Shifts to Instantly Awaken the Peaceful Presence Within You”
Croce's health challenges
Croce underwent treatment for rare bone marrow cancer and climbed Mount Everest in March 2026.
“I've been blessed with attempting to take the truth, these understandings, and tailor them to what I call 'locker room spirituality'”
LeBron's signing
LeBron James signed with the Sixers on a veterans minimum deal to play his 24th NBA season in late July 2026.
“Holy s, -! I wish he was available when I ran the team”
Sixers' championship drought
The Sixers haven't won an NBA title since 1983 and haven't returned to the finals since Croce's era.
“Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional”
Croce's coaching challenges
Croce says coach Nick Nurse faces challenges managing the team's talent, defense, and LeBron James.
“How do I do this? ... How do I work the defense? How do I work with LeBron?”
Spiritual lessons from 2001
Croce believes the 2001 Sixers found their flow state by embracing roles around a superstar like Allen Iverson.
“They were the best holes in the flute that they could be, and it allowed the music to be played”
Sacrifice for success
Croce says players must be open, empty of memory and projections to listen to LeBron's sacrifice advice.
“You have to be open, empty, empty of memory, empty of projections, empty”
Vulnerability as strength
Croce believes vulnerability makes athletes invincible by removing the ability to be hurt or taken advantage of.
“If I'm fully vulnerable, how can you hurt me? There's nothing that you can sneak around”
Croce's personal growth
Croce learned new skills like woodworking and Chinese and Tibetan calligraphy he never thought possible.
“I didn't know I could do woodworking. I didn't know I could do Chinese and Tibetan calligraphy”
Croce's advice for fans
Croce urges Sixers fans to enjoy the season without projecting expectations for championships.
“Don't project in this 82 games to just anticipate rings and parades”
Croce's book
Croce's new book offers insights on living fully in the present through meditation and mindfulness.
“Enjoy yourself now”
Sixers' upcoming season
The Sixers open the 2026-27 regular season Tuesday against the New York Knicks.
“We can wish that. You can think about it, but the point is that the 'now' is where life is”
The takeaway
Former Sixers president Pat Croce says spirituality and sacrifice will help LeBron James' team win this NBA season.
