What Now, Philly?
Just when you thought the Philadelphia 76ers solved one problem in Ben Simmons, they find themselves entering the offseason early once again, with more questions than answers.
The Sixers entered the 2022 playoffs filled with promise. They finished the regular season with a 51-31 record, Joel Embiid played like the legitimate finalist for the MVP award that he was, averaging 30.6 points, 11.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game in 68 regular-season games. Then disaster struck in the first round of the 2022 playoffs.
While the Sixers took care of business against the Toronto Raptors, it came at a massive cost. Embiid suffered a right orbital fracture during the team’s Game Six victory. While he recorded 33 points and ten rebounds in that series-clinching victory, it was the last time fans saw Embiid in action until Game Three of the East semifinals.
That’s where the Sixers needed James Harden the most.
Harden Disappears
The Sixers hoped the James Harden of the Houston Rockets would show up when they needed him the most. He didn’t.
Against the Raptors in the first round, Harden averaged 19 points and ten assists but shot 38.4% from the three-point line and turned the ball over 3.5 times per game. It didn’t improve in the second round. The 2018 MVP saw his numbers slip to 18.2 points, seven assists, and 33.2% shooting from downtown.
He only scored 11 points in the Sixers’ 99-90 Game Six loss to the Miami Heat and didn’t attempt a single free throw during the game as the Heat outscored the Sixers by 16 points during Harden’s 43-minute stint.
His defence to his poor performance in Game Six: “We ran offense. The ball just didn’t get back to me,”. Hardly a ringing endorsement from someone who is likely going to be seeking a max contract this offseason.
Eyes on Harden’s Future in Philly
Harden’s disappearance in the 2022 playoffs puts Philadelphia in a tricky spot. He arrived in Philly with expectations that he would compliment Embiid in ways Ben Simmons didn’t. Something that’s looking less likely be the day it seems.
Despite his lacklustre performance during the 2022 postseason, James Harden is eligible to receive a contract extension on top of the player option- if he picks that up. Should Harden opt to pick up his player option, that would pay him $47.4 million dollars. He also now holds the ability to lock himself in with a four-year extension on top of that which would bring the total value of his deal to just over $270 million dollars.
That would be the largest deal in NBA history.
Then again, is it worth it to pay that money to a player who didn’t deliver when it mattered most?
On top of him turning 33 this August, James Harden is no longer the unguardable player he once was during his stint in Houston. As Joel Embiid said after another playoff exit, “Since we got him, everyone expected the Houston James Harden. But, that’s not who he is anymore. He’s more of a playmaker.”
He no longer has the ability to perform his signature step-back shots and can no longer draw fouls at the same clip he used to due to the recent rule changes. In other words, James Harden’s proficiency is on the decline.
Indeed, all eyes will be on Philadelphia’s decision on what to do with James Harden this offseason. And what James Harden will do. Because if it isn’t Philly that gives him the money, some other star hungry team will likely be more than happy to pony up the dough.
-Iggy Gonzales
Twitter: @Godzilla500
Photo: Game Face. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.