After a strong first couple outings, the honeymoon phase is over for the new-look Philadelphia 76ers. While the addition of James Harden has provided a lift, there are a lot of things the group needs to figure out if they want to make a deep run in the postseason.
Since joining the Sixers, arguably the biggest impact Harden has made is with his passing. Currently sitting at second in the league in assists per game, his playmaking is something the team desperately needed given the roster makeup. Harden's IQ and playmaking have made life easier for many of the Sixers' role players, with Matisse Thybulle and Georges Niang being the two biggest standouts.
While the facilitation is a much-needed element, one of the main reasons the Sixers traded for Harden is his scoring ability. Alongside Joel Embiid, the duo is arguably the best offensive pairing in the league right now. That being said, Harden has not asserted himself enough offensively as some may have hoped.
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Before the Sixers faced off against the Denver Nuggets on Monday night, Doc Rivers spoke a little on this topic. He also feels Harden has been too passive of late and is trying to push him to be more aggressive.
“Yesterday, I thought he came out to be more of a passer. I told him I never really liked that. I want him to be more aggressive early. His ability and instincts are fine, where to pass the ball at, I thought in the fourth [quarter] he got more aggressive. I like the aggressive version of James [Harden] more than the point guard version because he's going to be a point guard anyway,” said Rivers.
Ironically enough, this situation draws some comparison to the dilemma with Tyrese Maxey earlier in the season. While adapting to being the Sixers' full-time point guard, there were times when he fell too in love with sharing the ball. He would focus more on getting others the ball instead of taking opportunities for himself when they were there.
For someone who once averaged 36 points per game in a season, it is funny Rivers has to push Harden to assert himself more as a scorer. This issue can primarily be summed up as a player trying to adapt to his new situation on the fly. Continually looking to keep other guys involved could just be Harden not wanting to step on anyone's toes as he gets himself acclimated.
Rivers made a valid point in his assessment. Harden is always going to make the right pass, given his strong instincts. If anything, when he gets going as a scorer, it creates more playmaking opportunities because defenses will be sending extra help.
In Monday's matchup against Denver, Harden only attempted 11 field goal attempts and only two in the fourth quarter. For someone who was brought in to carry the Sixers' offense alongside Embiid, this level of volume is not enough. In these final 15 games, Harden must get more comfortable asserting himself offensively and taking over when the moment calls for it.
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