?You Need to Look in the Mirror?: With 76ers Future Looming Large, James Harden Gets Slapped in the Face by Stephen A Smith With Questionable Take

Jame Harden is one of the best scorers in the league. His fame and inclination came from his time with Houston Rockets. Post that, Harden has slowly cultivated himself to be someone who does not live up to his caliber. Harden’s struggles in the playoffs and tumultuous last few seasons have led to him being traded twice since 2021. These developments birth questions like whether he can lead the Sixers to a championship, despite his monster regular-season statistics. However, the Philadelphia 76ers have displayed in retaining their superstar at times. Even his MVP teammate, Joel Embiid, declared he wanted him back.

It has been almost a month since James Harden requested a trade from the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite that, there has been no movement in finding another organization for the 33-year-old. While Philly fans hope for a change of mind from Harden, Stephen A. Smith presents a completely different take on The Beard.

22-year-old PG can lead better than James Harden

The 76ers aren’t anywhere close to finding a suitable trade for their 10-time all-star. Because of that, fans and the front office hope that James will kit up for the team in the coming season. However, Stephen A. Smith claims that the 76ers are better off without James Harden at this point.

“You’re [Harden] en route to be on your fourth NBA team in the last 2+ years. I mean, look in the mirror, my brother,”?Smith said on First Take. He then mentioned he thinks?“it’s a beautiful thing if James Harden for this one reason and one reason only – Tyrese Maxey.”

Stephen A. Smith believes Harden’s exit will open the door for Tyrese Maxey to showcase his skill. Pairing up the young talent with Joel Embiid can be a promising duo for the organization, given that Harden does not want to play for them anymore.

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Smith presents an interesting new image of the 76ers. However, it must be noted that Tyrese averaged his stats as a secondary player, not the leader of the team. Providing the young star a pedestal close to Joel Embiid can also backfire for the team, which could lead to major mid-season changes.

Why Tyrese Maxey?

Over the past few years, Maxey has proven himself as one of the best young players in the league, averaging 20.3 points, 3.5 assists, and 2.9 rebounds last season. The 76ers find value in the young star as they have kept him away from any trade talks. Additionally, Tyrese is well-versed in the culture of Philadelphia, unlike Harden. Furthermore, former Sixers star Jimmy Butler has appreciated Tyrese’s hard work and ability to make the right plays. While Maxey has played over 190 games for the Sixers, Harden has just appeared in 79.

Moreover, Smith highlighted that in the previous, Maxey and Stephen Curry were the only two players to average over 20 points per game. They’re also the only ones to shoot above 42% from downtown. Maxey’s continuous improvement makes him ready for a larger role. On the positive side, his scoring and assists could be boosted if Harden leaves.

Harden has showcased his desire to play for already stacked Clippers. It is certain Harden and Philly are on a quest for the championship. Considering the Sixers’ inability to reach the conference finals and the thinning patience of the fanbase, they have to make a move soon.

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Adding complementary pieces for Harden might be a sensible move to find a trade. Philadelphia has already hired Nick Nurse as the new head coach. With that, the composition of their opening night starting lineup becomes an intriguing point to watch.