On May 3, Beijing time, the 76ers lost to the Heat, the second round of the playoffs suffered a black opening, Embiid's injury put the 76ers in danger, and how far the next 76ers can go has an absolute relationship with when Embiid returns.
In the match against the Heat, Harden scored just 16 points on 5-of-13 shooting, which was wildly criticized by fans and the media. Harden's weakness in the playoffs has made fans feel helpless, which is also Harden's 11 consecutive playoff games to score less than 25 points, as a team core, such a performance is really too disappointing.
After Embiid's absence, in fact, Harden is the absolute boss of the 76ers, Harden needs to stand up strongly and score, rather than only 13 shots in the whole game, Harden did not clear his responsibilities, this game loss and Harden have an inseparable relationship.
Of course, Jordan Jr. starting in place of Embiid is also a helpless move, but if there is a way not to let Jordan Jr. start the center, the result is also obvious, Jordan Jr. as Embiid's stand-in was directly exploded. On the offensive end, Jordan Jr. only had 4 points in the account, and the defensive end was beaten by the Heat, and the entire 76ers lost too much in the time jordan Jr. appeared.
Jordan Jr. had a plus-minus of -22 in his playing time, and also received 2 turnovers and 2 fouls, which was incompatible with the 76ers' offensive rhythm. Harden has the greatest responsibility as a leading player, especially Harden's performance in the playoffs in recent years is really a mess, completely without the style of a star, and Harden's decline is also very obvious.
Less than 25 points in 11 consecutive playoff games has also become a shame in Harden's career, compared to the 37-year-old former teammate Paul, the 32-year-old Harden seems to have begun to come to the end of his career, and this downward speed makes people feel helpless and unwilling. Recall that Harden won the playoffs of 25+ once, or the game against the Celtics, and then Harden was affected by injuries, and Harden's state was obviously not as good as before.
ESPN expressed concern about Harden's summer salary extension, although Harden is entitled to a five-year, $223 million maximum salary renewal contract, but it is clear that Harden is no longer at the peak.
Previous teammate Embiid also suggested harden to play aggressive, but Harden's performance is still not satisfactory, 11 consecutive playoff games less than 25 points Harden value plummeted, but the 76ers should renew Harden's contract, otherwise Harden will go in vain, the 76ers are even more loss-making.
Do you think Harden deserves a 76ers salary extension?
(Text/Ball-Carrying Attacker)