Sixers: 3 players who have improved next to James Harden

The Sixers are 4-0 with James Harden in the lineup. The changes have been overwhelmingly positive. There’s more space on the perimeter for shooters, Joel Embiid is no longer triple-teamed on every catch, and the transition offense has been revived completely.

Not every player has thrived in the new setup — Tobias Harris looks particularly lost, and Furkan Korkmaz can’t seem to shake his season-long slump — but the majority of players have found life easier next to the former MVP.

Harden is a basketball genius, and his presence will continue to reshape the way Philadelphia plays basketball. These three players, however, have benefited the most on an individual level.

3 Sixers who have improved next to James Harden — Georges Niang

Georges Niang hasn’t seen a spike in production since Harden’s arrival, but his 17-point outburst in Friday’s win over Cleveland served as an excellent example of his potential to thrive next to Harden. The 28-year-old has been Philly’s best shooter all season (who’s still on the roster), and his unshakable confidence is an important asset when paired with Harden’s knack for generating open looks.

The Sixers have a lot of capable shooters, but not all of them have Niang’s quick trigger. We’ve been talking about quick triggers and 3-point confidence ever since Joel Embiid stepped on the court, but with Harden, it’s more important than ever. Shooters are getting countless open looks from downtown, and the Sixers need to convert as frequently as possible.

With Korkmaz slumping, Harris hesitating on every look, and Danny Green having his worst shooting season in a while, the Sixers need Niang’s high volume of 3s. He closed over Matisse Thybulle in the Cavs win, and he is the clear “sixth man” on a team still in desperate need of more bench production.