Subscribe
Follow Us
The Philadelphia 76ers pulled off a blockbuster trade, acquiring Brooklyn Nets superstar James Harden. Philadelphia sent Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, and two first-round picks in exchange for Harden.
Harden joins Joel Embiid with the 76ers, creating a powerful duo. Embiid is in the midst of an MVP-type season, averaging 29.4 points per game and 10.9 rebounds.
His game will pair well with Harden, and their pick-and-roll will be lethal. The trade does weaken their depth as they are giving up Curry and Drummond, who were solid role players for the team. Philadelphia is fifth in the Eastern Conference at 32-22. The Eastern Conference is in a tight race as only two and a half games separate them from the top-seeded Miami Heat.
The addition of Harden could leapfrog them up in the standings.
With that said, here are two bold predictions for the Sixers after blockbuster trade for James Harden.
1. 76ers finish top 3 in the Eastern Conference
Philadelphia is primed to improve with their star-studded duo. They have been a great team this year despite All-Star Ben Simmons sitting out. With Simmons gone and Harden coming in, the Sixers will have another top-tier scorer. Defenses will have a tough time defending both Harden and Embiid.
This season, Harden is averaging 22.5 points per game along with 8 rebounds and 10.2 assists. His playmaking and offensive talent will be a welcomed addition.
Although the team is talented, they will have a tough fight to make it into the top three. The Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bulls, and Cleveland Cavaliers occupy the top four spots in the Conference. These teams have all been playing at a high level and have chemistry with their rosters.
Harden and Embiid may take time to get in sync but will be elite once they gain traction.
2. 76ers make it to the Eastern Conference Finals
This roster move sets the Sixers up to make it to the Eastern Conference Finals. They have not made it to the Eastern Conference Finals with Embiid on the roster. Last year, they lost to the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals in seven games. Simmons' unwillingness to shoot the ball cost them the playoff series. This led him to be blamed by Sixers fans for their playoff exit.
Harden's playoff history may not be great, but he is always willing to take shots. His aggressiveness will serve the team well even when he is having an off night. The rest of the roster is solid and fits well around these two stars. Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris will serve as key pieces around them.
Maxey is averaging 16.9 points per game while shooting 47.1 percent from the field and 39.8 percent from behind the arc. He has a ton of potential and could improve with a great playmaker in Harden around him.
Harris will also get more open looks, which could help become more efficient from three. He is averaging 19.1 points per game paired with 7.3 rebounds. He is shooting 48.8 percent from the field and 34.6 percent from three. His efficiency could improve with Harden's playmaking.
However, Embiid will be the biggest beneficiary as defenses will have another superstar to guard. This will lead to fewer double teams heading his way. Embiid's pick and roll game will also improve due to Harden's ability to dish out passes to his teammates.
The 76ers are now legitimate contenders in the Eastern Conference after pulling off this trade. Harden and Embiid are bound to be an excellent superstar duo.
