On February 11, Beijing time, the NBA made a heavy trade, and Harden left the Nets to join the 76ers. And after getting the beard, Philadelphia's strength is even stronger, and it is really the favorite to win the championship this season!
Harden + Embiid, the Nets' inside and outside double core
With Ben Simmons not good at scoring and shooting, the 76ers lack a real core and supergiant on the outside and can only rely on Embiid on the inside. The Emperor has averaged 29.5 points per game this season, number one in the league, but Philadelphia is now in fifth place in the East and has 2.5 wins from the Heat.
Now, Harden is here, and the Nets finally have an outside core. His personal attacking ability is extremely strong, and he has averaged 22.5 points per game in poor physical condition this season. What's more, Brother Wait is one of the league's best offensive initiators, averaging 10.2 assists per game this season, second only to Paul.
In addition to the dual core, there is also the third giant
In addition to Embiid, the 76ers also have Tobias Harris. He's averaging 19.2 points per game, the team's second-highest scorer, scoring 30 points against the Suns last game, plus 7.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists, just 35 percent from three-point range, the lowest since the 2016-17 season.
With Harden joining, with a beard to attract defense and deliver passes, Harris can get easier scoring opportunities and is expected to further improve his performance and stats, becoming the third giant outside the duo.
Earned! The 76ers retained the two main forces
In order to get Harden, the 76ers sent away Ben Simmons and Curry Jr., but managed to keep Sable and Maxi, did not let the Nets get their wish, and the wave did earn.
The 21-year-old Hassle-Maxi has been a workhorse this season, averaging 16.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 36 minutes per game, while making him an extremely cost-effective salary of only $2.73 million.
Sable has become one of the best outside defenders in the league, and with him, the 76ers' outside defense is guaranteed and can better escort Harden. In contrast, Curry Jr., although the three-pointer is more accurate, but the defense is a black hole.
In summary, the 76ers have done a very good job with this deal and have definitely become a favorite to win this season!