Let’s explore why Daryl Morey should bring James Harden to the Sixers.
If someone offered you a Tesla or a Ferrari, which would you choose? One is novel and innovative. The other is sexy and sets the standard for sports car enthusiasts. Depends on the driver and the need, right?
Philadelphia 76ers fans face a similar dilemma. Recently, it was reported that the 76ers have made Ben Simmons available to trade with the Houston Rockets for James Harden. In Ben Simmons, you have a supreme athlete with tremendous potential, yet he still has more to prove. With James Harden, he has a solid resume, and his offensive skills place him in an unrivaled category.
The debate for this trade is as contentious as any topic in recent memory for Philadelphia 76ers fans. For me, it’s quite simple. The Sixers should choose James Harden over Ben Simmons, and here are three reasons why the trade should happen.
Reason 1
New Lens: New Perspective
Harden will elevate his game with a fresh start. It is hard to imagine how the most prolific offensive player on the planet could elevate his game. Then again, it was also hard to imagine Jimmy Butler, another disgruntled player in a dissatisfactory state, leading his team to an NBA Finals appearance.
The same could be said about Anthony Davis, who also found a new home and ultimately won a ring with LeBron James. The grass was greener for those two players and they enjoyed the view quite nicely on the other side. Harden would be thrilled to enter a better situation like Davis and Butler, and his play would reflect it.
The truth is though that Harden would not need to elevate his production. He could maintain the status quo on offense and still be effective for Philadelphia. Let’s look at his numbers.
As a Houston Rocket, James Harden has averaged 29.6 points and nine 3-point attempts per game at 36.2 percent. He’s also averaged 7.7 assists, almost the same as Ben Simmons (8.0). Harden’s free throw percentage for his career is 85.8 percent. Free throw attempts? Harden led the league with 11.45 per game.
Simmons makes only 56.5 percent from the line, and he averages less than half of Harden’s attempts. We won’t even compare Simmons’ numbers beyond the arc. A fresh start would boost Harden’s morale, and therefore inject these impressive stats into the Sixers’ offense, but what about his attitude and approach to the game?
“A former MVP and unstoppable offensive mammoth like Harden, becoming teammates with the most dominant center in the league should be welcomed by Philly fans.”
Pro-Simmons Sixer fans have brandished red flags the last 72 hours after seeing pictures of Harden in Las Vegas at clubs and the latest images of him looking out of shape in the preseason.
I would argue that wasn’t Dennis Rodman the same player who partied in Vegas and made a WWF appearance during a playoff series but still helped the Bulls win multiple championships? Also, just because a player becomes out of shape in a few weeks during the offseason doesn’t mean he can’t get back in shape in the same amount of time or less.
Put down the red flags and put the situation in perspective. Harden does not need motivation to sculpt his body. He just needs a franchise that will motivate him with an opportunity to win with the right players and coach.
Some fans worry about Harden’s commitment and staying in line with team protocol after reports of a negative culture in Houston. Yet, coming to a new team with a new coach would recalibrate his focus. His window for a championship is closing, and teaming up with Joel Embiid, being led by head coach Doc Rivers, is just what Harden needs to add a championship to his already stellar resume.
A former MVP and unstoppable offensive mammoth like Harden, becoming teammates with the most dominant center in the league should be welcomed by Philly fans. If that does not entice you, then maybe this will.