USA Today via Reuters
Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) reacts after getting called for a foul in the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers in game four of the second round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) reacts after getting called for a foul in the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers in game four of the second round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
It has been 37 years since the Philadelphia 76ers have won the NBA title. However, in recent years, with the rise of Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, it looked like the drought will finally be over. But to everyone’s surprise, the Embiid-Simmons duo have been unable to carry them to a respectable postseason run.
Following an embarrassing round 1 sweep, the 76ers decided to sack head coach Brett Brown. But the job is not finished yet, they still need to find a new coach. Moreover, the front office might even trade a few of their big men to increase the pace.
Keeping that in mind, the organization is chasing Mike D’Antoni’s signature. And according to NBA insider John Clark, the team wants Mike to pursue James Harden as well.
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“I’m hearing one of the reasons along with coaching that Sixers have a lot of interest in Mike D’Antoni is feeling with some in organization that he could help lure James Harden to Philly. Harden can become a free agent in 2 years and there is a possibility of trade.”
I’m hearing one of the reasons along with coaching that Sixers have a lot of interest in Mike D’Antoni is feeling with some in organization that he could help lure James Harden to Philly
Harden can become a free agent in 2 years and there is possibility of trade pic.twitter.com/gJVecCuhHN
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) September 24, 2020
Landing James Harden could mean a potential trio of Ben Simmons, James Harden, and Joel Embiid. The trio sound dangerous on paper as Harden could become the primary ball handler for the team. Also, it gives Embiid and Simmons a chance to attack the rim more and co-exist better.
Furthermore, Philly has been lacking a consistent three-point shooter in the lineup, and Harden’s arrival could solve that problem as well.
Will Philadelphia 76ers bounce back next season?
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USA Today via Reuters
Aug 23, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) and forward guard Alec Burks (20) and guard Furkan Korkmaz (30) react during the second quarter against the Boston Celtics in game four of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series at The Field House. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
If the Sixers land D’Antoni, he will be a great addition to the team. Also, Ben Simmons will be back from his injury, as his absence from the team definitely hurt them in the Playoffs.
Simmons was averaging 16.4 points and 8.0 assists per game while shooting 58% from the field. Additionally, Simmons’ presence on the defensive end played a huge role for the Sixers during the regular season.
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The major improvements required are on the end of the supporting cast in Tobias Harris and Al Horford. They were terrible in the Playoffs and severely underperformed vs the Celtics.
What do you think? Will Philly make a comeback next year, or do they need more changes to the roster?
