LEBRON whisperer Phil Handy says Melbourne United has the potential to rival Philadelphia 76ers and Toronto Raptors in marquee NBA preseason fixtures next month.

The NBL champions travel to Philadelphia next month, for a mouth-watering clash with Melbourne’s NBA Rookie of the Year Ben Simmons and 76ers recruit Jonah Bolden, and then Toronto to tackle the Raptors.

United punched above its weight last year, stretching Russell Westbrook’s Oklahoma City Thunder to one point.

The inspired performance was the catalyst for United stars Casper Ware and Casey Prather to secure NBA Summer League invitations.

The ex-LA Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers skills coach Handy, who recently signed with the Raptors, has worked closely with United the past two weeks in Melbourne.

Handy warned the 76ers and Raptors will need to be locked in to avoid a “let down”.

“Now with the NBA and NBL preseason games … people will get a chance to understand they’re real competitive over here,” Handy told the Herald Sun.

“It’s a challenge … you’re playing against guys you have never seen, you don’t know their skill set so you can get caught off guard.

“We try and get the (NBA) guys to understand it doesn’t matter the name on the jersey … those guys can easily let down and get their asses whooped.”

The famed NBA skills guru boasts an honour roll of disciplines, including NBA superstars LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Kyrie Irving and Simmons.

Handy expects Melbourne recruit Mitch McCarron, regarded as one of the best young Australians outside of the NBA, will benefit from the exposure.

“It helps Mitch understand the difference between the level of play, versus NBA point guards and NBL point guards,” Handy said.