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With the NBA's 2022 All-Star festivities wrapped up, teams will enjoy a few days off before the final stretch of the regular season. As the playoffs slowly start to creep up, there are a ton of new questions to be asked when it comes to potential contenders. One team with an array of question marks is the Philadelphia 76ers.
After landing James Harden at the trade deadline, the Sixers find themselves back in the title picture. Not only is Joel Embiid playing at an MVP level, but now he has a legitimate second option as a running mate. As we approach this final push before the postseason, here are the two biggest questions regarding the Sixers coming out of the All-Star break.
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Sixers Burning Questions
1) Do the Sixers have enough time to figure things out?
While the Sixers have a lot going for them following this trade, one thing not on their side is time. Doc Rivers has cited this on multiple occasions now and understands the team has a tall task at hand. Not to mention this situation puts them a step behind other contenders who have had all season to mesh together.
This challenge is not impossible, but the Sixers certainly have their work cut out for them. They have established a ball-movement-oriented style of play and now have to integrate a ball-dominant facilitator. One thing that should make this easier is the team is used to having one maestro during Ben Simmons' tenure, so the adjustment shouldn't take too long to get used to as the Sixers adjust to Harden's presence.
Based on players' comments on adding Harden to the mix, it doesn't appear there will be many problems getting him acclimated. That being said, it will be interesting to see if this final handful of games is enough time to prepare this roster for the deep postseason run they are eyeing.
2) Can James Harden and Joel Embiid seamlessly co-exist?
Even though they are seemingly perfect complements of each other, the question has to be asked if Philly's two top stars will be able to co-exist at a high level. They are both capable of huge performances on a nightly basis and are used to having the ball in their hands a lot. There is no denying there is likely to be some growing pains as the pair of All-Stars figure out how to succeed together.
Doc Rivers typically doesn't stagger minutes, so it's fair to assume this duo will be sharing a lot of time on the floor together. The biggest thing to figure out will be what one does while the other has the ball. Harden is a more than capable 3-point shooter but has never been one to spot up and wait for a catch-and-shoot opportunity. On the other hand, a dominant force like Embiid will not just be off to the side while Harden works in isolation.
Embiid has always done whatever is needed to put the Sixers in the best position to win, so it feels unlikely he and Harden don't find a way to excel together. That being said, it will be one of the biggest questions regarding the team in the coming weeks and as they head into the playoffs with designs of winning a championship.
