Grading the Philadelphia 76ers’ Return
Joel Embiid was having an MVP-like season last year before getting injured and as of right now this season, he appears to be the front-runner for the MVP award once again.
Capitalizing on Embiid’s prime right now and capitalizing on their chances to win a title right now was the main goal of the Philadelphia 76ers heading into the trade deadline, which is why they went “all-in” on James Harden this season.
Sixers’ president of basketball operations Daryl Morey has always had a strong relationship with James Harden dating back to their time spent together in Houston when Morey was the GM of the Rockets and since he joined the 76ers, he has been trying to acquire Harden.
This season, the 76ers have been good and they find themselves just 2.5 games back from the 1-seeded Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference, but they have not looked like a true championship contender.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden To Opt In $47.3M Player Option After Sixers Trade
Philadelphia needed another star to pair with Joel Embiid given the Ben Simmons situation, which is why they made the move for Harden today.
Losing shooting with Seth Curry is going to be a bigger loss than first imagined for the 76ers, but James Harden and Joel Embiid are two legit MVP-like talents.
With the emergence of Tyrese Maxey, as well as Tobias Harris being a strong third scoring option, the 76ers now have a starting lineup that is good enough to contend with any team in the Eastern Conference, assuming they can all stay healthy.
Making a big move at the trade deadline was a must for the 76ers because they were simply not talented enough heading into the deadline to win a title.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden To Opt In $47.3M Player Option After Sixers Trade
Now, this season is “all or nothing” for the Philadelphia 76ers and if they do not win the title this season, it will be a big disappointment for them. Not to mention, James Harden could just simply decide that he no longer wants to play there next season!
This is a big risky move made by Daryl Morey and the Philadelphia 76ers, but it was a necessary one for them to make.
GRADE: B
