76ers Lose In Eastern Conference Semi-Finals For Third Time In Four Years

Regardless of whether the 76ers pull off a blockbuster trade for James Harden or not, it just feels like we are gearing up for the Nets vs. Bucks Eastern Conference Finals, which is why the 76ers will once again come up short of their goal of winning a championship. All of the questions on whether or not Philadelphia can get over the hump and not just make the ECF, but make it to The Finals circulate around Tobias Harris at the end of the day. 

Since joining the 76ers during the 2018-19 season, Harris has averaged 19.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists and has shot 47.1% from the floor and 35.6% from three-point range in 99 games. He has proven to be the third, reliable scoring option for the 76ers during the regular season, but has had his struggles in the postseason. 

His scoring numbers and shooting numbers drastically changed in big games last year, as he shot just 13.3% from three-point range in the series against the Boston Celtics. If he is going to put up these kinds of performances in the NBA Playoffs, then the 76ers have no chance of winning a championship, let alone a conference title.

Tobias Harris is the X-Factor for the Philadelphia 76ers alongside Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. In order for them to compete at the highest level and compete for a championship, Harris needs to step up. Without James Harden, this team has a chance to be something this year, but without reliable production from Harris, the 76ers will be the same team as last year. 

They have a shot to be special, but given how Tobias Harris has performed in big games over the years, it is safe to say that the Philadelphia 76ers will once again underperform expectations and be ousted early on in the playoffs.