After months of speculation and blame game, the James Harden trade finally became official. But, the trade has done more than just alter the career of The Beard. Instead, according to NBA legend and 7x champion Robert Horry, it has given new life to the trajectory of one budding Philadelphia superstar. Even though the 76ers could have struggled after losing a former MVP like Harden, the team has continued to thrive.

And it is all due to one “happy” customer. To begin the year, the Philadelphia 76ers have been among the most impressive teams in the league. But, it isn’t all because of Joel Embiid.

Robert Horry details the real winner of the James Harden trade

While the reigning MVP has been in stellar form, it is the explosion from Tyrese Maxey that was a true shocker. Even though the potential was always visible, a third-option role is where Maxey was doing his damage.

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Cue the Harden trade and now Maxey has the keys to the franchise. Simultaneously taking a jump in every statistical category while powering the franchise to a remarkable start, Tyrese has breathed new life into The Process. 

Robert Horry firmly believes it is due to the change in the workspace that Maxey has taken such a gargantuan leap. “Happiest guy ever now that James Harden isn’t on the team,” Horry said on the Spectrum SportsNet pre-game show ahead of the 76ers’ matchup against his former team. That happiness seems to be manifesting itself courtesy of a remarkable season for the 23-year-old.

The former Los Angeles Lakers forward took note of Maxey’s improved production as he lit up LA in a dominant showing for his team.

The 76ers rout Los Angeles

The Lakers have been on a roll after a rough start to their campaign. Since Austin Reaves’ realignment, the team has gone from strength to strength, improving to a 7-2 record in that stretch. However, the game against Philly might bring the Lakers back to square one.

A 44-point blowout is the worst loss of LeBron’s tenure in LA. But, as Horry predicted, it was Maxey, along with Embiid, who did most of the damage. The superstar duo would finish with 31 and 30 points, respectively.

Perhaps this will impress his dad finally. With Maxey’s production improving and a contract extension looming, the real question for the 76ers will now be the playoffs and whether they can finally take that next step and become Conference champions.

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