Sixers: 3 reasons why Morey should choose Harden over Simmons
By Uriah Young
Open Space
James Harden will open up everyone’s game on the Philadelphia 76ers, especially Joel Embiid. Just think about Harden being a threat from every spot on the floor. He may just break 3-point records in Philadelphia.
When comparing Ben Simmons’ perimeter game to what Harden has proven he can do is like putting Pluto next to the Sun. With Joel Embiid being a constant threat in the post, Harden will be even deadlier with the Sixers.
Some people still question whether Harden and Embiid could work in Philly. Co-site expert, Lucas Johnson mentioned in a recent podcast that Harden did not work well in Houston with another back-to-the-basket post player, Dwight Howard.
The difference is that Howard is not half the offensive post player that Embiid has proven to be. Where Howard was limited to just a few moves down low, Embiid is as crafty and skilled as any big man in the game today.
The “pick your poison” dilemma for Sixers opponents would be perplexing. Allow Embiid to receive a pass from Harden and suffer the consequences down low. Double team Embiid and fall victim to the most lethal scorer since Larry Bird. This does not even factor in any screen-and-roll scenarios.
Imagine the 76ers’ center coming out to the 3-point line and setting a pick for James Harden. Harden dribbles left, Embiid rolls, and the defense is in limbo. Why? Because the Sixers have newly acquired Seth Curry waiting for the chance to deliver a dagger. Why pass though, when Harden is a threat to finish at the rim with authority or pull up himself for a deep ball?
With Ben Simmons, this is the furthest option from reality. It’s more like a dream with layers from the movie Inception, except Leonardo DiCaprio isn’t the daring hero, it’s Danny Devito.
As emphasized earlier, Harden’s ability to draw fouls is astounding. Can you imagine how many free throws he and Embiid would average per game? The Sixers would feast every night at the line, while getting the opposition in foul trouble at a ridiculous rate.
As opposed to Simmons, who avoids contact at the rim and flicks a shot that tries to resemble a jump hook, Harden attacks the basket, knowing he will either finish strong or draw two free throws.