When a team acquires a superstar-level talent, it can simplify the game for other players on the roster. Through James Harden's first three games with the Philadelphia 76ers, this has been one of the main takeaways.

Due to Ben Simmons' absence, guys were forced to do more to help fill the void. Now that another All-Star is back in the mix again, it makes life easier for the role players.

The Sixers went from having no traditional point guards on their roster to one of the top facilitators in the game right now. Harden's playmaking has allowed him to fit seamlessly in the lineup and created an array of open looks for the guys around him. In last Sunday's win over the New York Knicks, the former MVP matched his season-high in assists with 16.

Following practice on Tuesday, head coach Doc Rivers touched on what Harden's IQ and passing has done for the team. One player he specifically pointed out as a benefactor of this element is defensive specialist Matisse Thybulle.

“James [Harden] is a better passer than what we've had. Now, Matisse [Thybulle] is the roamer for us. The more he gets it, the more free he will cut. Before, he would cut and not get it. It makes you not cut. Now he's cutting and getting it. It will make him cut more,” said Rivers.

Finding ways to make Thybulle effective on the offensive end has been a top priority for the Sixers. So far, the addition of Harden has made that task very easy. Given the attention he and Joel Embiid garner, it's opened up the floor tremendously. Not only are there more cutting lanes for guys like Thybulle, but an elite facilitator in Harden to get them the ball as well.

Before Harden joined the Sixers, Thybulle had only broken double-figures in a game five times. Since Harden made his debut against the Timberwolves, he has achieved this feat twice in three games. Whether it be off-ball cutting or transition baskets, more scoring opportunities have emerged for him.

Having Thybulle on the floor in big stretches used to be a crutch for the Sixers, but the addition of Harden has greatly softened that blow. This will be greatly beneficial in the postseason when Thybulle will be forced to play big minutes.

When people discussed how Harden will elevate the Sixers, they instantly went to his scoring. While his ability to put up points in a hurry is a bonus, his elite facilitation has been a crucial factor in his first three performances. Not only is he providing an element this team has desperately, but elevating the players around him in the process.