It’s been said before but there is reason to think that the Philadelphia 76ers could make the NBA Finals this year.
But the roster hasn’t been altered too much in the last few months so why are there chances so much better?
Part of it has to do with the fact that the team is seemingly very fired up, tuned in, and driven more than ever before.
But another part of it has to do with James Harden.
Harden joined the team in the middle of last season and has come to life during the summer.
Joel Embiid on James Harden at day 2 of training camp: “I was wrong. I was wrong when I said he’s not Houston Harden anymore. He’s still him. He looks scary right now, he just had to get healthy. His burst is there, his speed. I have PTSD recalling what he did to us in Houston”. pic.twitter.com/T52Ie1EUrW
— 333 (@rackrunning13) September 29, 2022
Harden has made multiple comments about playing harder than ever and stepping up for his team.
His teammate Joel Embiid has seen the progress and is downright fearful of The Beard.
Embiid gushed about Harden and took back previous worries about him after day two of training camp, saying:
“I was wrong. I was wrong when I said he’s not Houston Harden anymore. He’s still him. He looks scary right now, he just had to get healthy. His burst is there, his speed. I have PTSD recalling what he did to us in Houston.”
If Embiid is right and Harden is in vintage form again then the rest of the NBA should be on notice.
Houston Harden Returns
A lot of people give Harden a tough time these days and say that he isn’t the player he once was.
He has heard those complaints and is ready to respond.
It remains to be seen if this is all talk from the former MVP but if he really is on a whole other level then the 76ers’ chances skyrocket.
NEXT: 76ers Star Is Loud And Proud About Defense
