The NBA is the league that makes stars, and the playoffs are the touchstone for testing the quality of stars. The finals are the stage for superstars.
The NBA is full of stars
Many stars who shined in the regular season have shrunk their stats and efficiency significantly when they face high-pressure defense in the playoffs. And strong stars can prove themselves in the playoffs. A small number of superstars can stand out on the stage of the finals.
In the current NBA league, there are only a few superstars. LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry and Giannis Antetokounmpo all had a high-profile performance in the Finals. Durant and Curry used their top scoring ability to build a team system and eventually won the championship. James and Alphabet Brother, on the other hand, relied on their all-round skills and dominance at both ends of the attack and defense to lift the championship trophy.
James, Durant, Alphabet Brother and Curry
Superstars often hold a maximum salary contract, which is the embodiment of their personal strength and value. James is back to a 2-year, 85 million contract, and Curry is on a 4-year, 215 million contract. Durant's contract is 194 million for 4 years, and 228 million for 5 years.
Averaging 19+6+9 per game, leaving the Nets to reveal the stuffing! The 270 million maximum salary contract is going to fall short! 76 people lost a lot!
Averaging 19+6+9 per game, leaving the Nets
Impacting the championship, for NBA stars, is not only a journey to upgrade their personal strength, but also a necessary way to win a big contract.
Harden was traded by the Nets to the 76ers
76ers star James Harden applied to the Nets to trade him to Philadelphia in order to win the championship. The 76ers got Harden and also wanted him to play an important role in the overall championship. However, leaving the Nets, leaving Durant and Irving, Harden immediately revealed his filling. Harden's lack of scoring ability to attack and the lack of aggressive shortcomings in the offense were exposed in the playoffs.
Durant and Harden during the Nets era
Harden has played seven playoff games this season, averaging 18.6 points, 5.6 boards and 9.4 assists per game. Harden's personal data has declined significantly from its peak. In addition, without the restraint of Durant and Irving, two top scorers, Harden is particularly struggling on the offensive end.
The 76ers Harden and the Nets Durant
With Jornbid sidelined due to injury, the 76ers traveled to the road to play against the Heat in the semifinals G1. 76ers head coachEs Dow Rivers and JoelnBead both said in interviews many times before the game that they hoped Harden would shoot more on the offensive end and play aggressive. However, in Embiid's absence, harden's 76ers collapsed. After being blasted by an opponent in the final quarter with an 18-5 offensive frenzy, the 76ers were stuck in a five-minute unscoring situation. The 76ers, who collapsed in the 4th quarter, were taken away by a wave of the Heat and lost to their opponents with 14 points.
In the semifinals, G1 Harden was completely lost
James Harden, who earns $44.31 million a year, lost again in that game. Harden shot 5-of-13, 2-of-7 from three-point range and 4-of-4 from the free throw line, and had 16 points, nine boards and five assists, as well as five turnovers. In the second half, Harden shot 1-of-4 and 2-of-2 from the free throw line, scoring just four points. In the 4th quarter, Harden shot 0-of-1, did not score, and made a mistake. The 76ers, who had hoped that Harden could achieve a strong run in this game, waited for Harden's stealth in the second half. Harden's performance is clearly not commensurate with his value.
In the semifinals, G1 Harden did not perform well
During the Nets period, Durant and Irving attracted a lot of defensive resources and energy from opponents, allowing Harden to play well on both the offensive end and the tandem team. Harden's weakness on the offensive end of the playoffs was masked during the Nets era. After being traded to the 76ers, Harden didn't play well in the playoffs. In the absence of Embiid, Harden is even more completely exposed.
Embiid and Harden
Harden's future 270 million top salary contract is hanging
Harden has averaged 19 points, 6 boards and 9 assists per game in the playoffs this season, and his performance is clearly not up to the level of top stars. It is worth mentioning that according to previous reports, Harden has the opportunity to sign a 5-year, 270 million super top salary contract with Philadelphia in the offseason.
76ers James Harden
Harden didn't do well in the playoffs, though. Its plan to pursue a 270 million maximum salary contract is probably going to fail. Given Harden's athletic form, and his 33-year-old age, the 76ers may not be giving away a $270 million top-salary contract.
76 people lost a lot
It is worth noting that the 76ers traded Harden, hoping that Harden will become the second star in the team after Embiid, and can carry the team at key moments. The 76ers hope harden can be a good helper for Embiid to attack the championship. To the surprise of the 76ers, however, they did not expect harden's performance in the playoffs to be insufficient to help Philadelphia win the championship.
76ers Embiid, Harden and Harris
Harden's playoff scoring average has fallen to no. 4 on the team, behind Embiid (26 points per game), Maxi (21 points per game) and Harris (19.1 points per game). Harden has become the No. 4 star of the 76ers. Harden's dream of a maximum salary contract is probably going to be shattered. And the 76ers' dream of chasing a championship this season may be difficult to achieve. It seems that Harden does not have the strength of a superstar, nor is it a puzzle to impact the championship, and the 76ers are really at a loss.