Earlier this year, the Philadelphia 76ers were part of the biggest trade of the season and ended up sending away Ben Simmons and a few other players to the Brooklyn Nets for James Harden.
It was considered a blockbuster of a package and one that could shake up the entire Eastern Conference.
In the end, it is starting to look like a wash.
Harden hasn’t been outright terrible but there is no doubt that he’s been very inconsistent at times and hasn’t delivered in the ways Philly was expecting.
Joel Embiid on James Harden: "Obviously, I'm sure since we got him, everybody expected the Houston James Harden, but that's not who he is anymore. He's more of a playmaker. I thought, at times, as with all of us, could've been more aggressive." pic.twitter.com/DGf7cXqfoH
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) May 13, 2022
Joel Embiid of the 76ers isn’t surprised by this.
After Thursday night’s heartbreaking loss, Embiid commented on Harden:
“Obviously, I’m sure since we got him, everybody expected the Houston James Harden. But that’s not who he is anymore. He’s more of a playmaker. I thought, [he] at times, as with all of us, could’ve been more aggressive.”
That’s a stinging assessment of Harden – but it’s not wrong, is it?
Hard Times For Harden
Another postseason, and another rough patch for Harden.
Harden was mostly absent for most of these playoffs.
He wasn’t physically missing games but he just wasn’t doing much for his team.
On Thursday night, he went 4-of-9 from the field and then attempted just two shots after halftime.
And both of those shots were misses, by the way.
Harden, who was once one of the best shooters in the league, has only scored more than 30 points twice since joining the 76ers.
As for the playoffs, he only made more than 25 points once.
In other words, Harden is not the player he once was.
Yes, he’s more of a playmaker, like Embiid said, but his skills there have been lacking at times too.
In the months ahead, Harden needs to figure out the sort of player he can be for the 76ers otherwise he will once again be sent away.
NEXT: Jimmy Butler Comments On His Friend Joel Embiid