After pushing for a deal involving James Harden, the 76ers became the best competitive team in the league, after all, with the combination of Harden and Embiid, the 76ers are strong enough to show their competitive strength in the playoffs, both in terms of lineup depth and superstar talent.
According to US media reports, the 76ers lineup has also changed, in which Paul Reed jr. Charlie Brown has been delegated to the development league:
Such a move by 76ers management would not affect the team's rotation lineup, as well as the team's remaining games in the regular season and potential playoff phases.
On the other hand, after the 76ers' loss to the Pistons, 76ers coach Doug Rivers' hints to James Harden when talking about the team bench have caused heated discussion:
"They didn't struggle, they didn't get a lot of shooting opportunities, you know, they focused on the defense. I think during that time, James Harden had more shots than they did, so you know, it's just another tough night. ”
In this game, Harden shot 4-of-15 from the field, and the 76ers bench totaled 3-of-13.
Finally, legendary center Shaquille O'Neal gave his opinion after Doug Rivers hinted at Harden, arguing that Harden needs to achieve a championship battle this season:
"James (Harden) needs a championship trophy, he needs it. As a player known as a great player, you want to have a championship trophy," O'Neal said.
So far in his career, in fact, James Harden still has a lot of opportunities to impact the championship, but at present he has not been able to win the next championship trophy. And after joining the 76ers and partnering Embiid, Harden really needs to make the most of the season and hit the championship trophy.