Sixers: 3 lineups Doc Rivers should try with James Harden

Potential Sixers lineup with James Harden No. 3

1. James Harden
2. Tyrese Maxey
3. Danny Green
4. Georges Niang
5. Paul Reed

This is a slight variation on the first lineup. Tyrese Maxey’s immediate fit with James Harden is a source of concern for many, but the Sixers should be able to mine value from two elite downhill scorers. Maxey has also grown exponentially as a playmaker in recent weeks, meaning he and Harden can essentially take turns setting the table and initiating the offense. Maxey isn’t Kyrie Irving, but he’s probably less annoying to play with.

Ever since Joel Embiid arrived, the Sixers have been remarkably devoid of guards who can put pressure on the rim. Now they have two of the best in the business with Harden and Maxey (even if Harden has diminished somewhat in this respect). He still needs to shoot more, but Maxey’s 39.9 percent mark from 3-point range bodes well for his ability to play off Harden long term. With Maxey’s emergence and Embiid’s ability to single-handedly control the offense, Harden no longer has to play the role of one-man conductor. That was evidently a source of tension with Brooklyn’s injury-ravaged roster.

The Sixers have to invest minutes in the Harden/Maxey duo right now, in hopes that they develop chemistry ahead of the playoffs and future seasons, assuming Harden eventually signs his extension next summer. There are going to be growing pains, especially for Maxey, but he and Harden can both tear defenses apart getting into the paint. Put two good shooters and a rim-running big next to them, and the results should come.

At the end of the day, it’s hard to misuse James Harden. He’s one of the most talented offensive players we’ve ever seen. He isn’t in his prime anymore, but Harden’s blend of playmaking, rim pressure, and pull-up shooting is still elite. He will need to adjust to Embiid, Maxey, and the Sixers core (and vice versa), but there’s every reason to expect success.