3 reasons why the Sixers will reach the NBA Finals

Why the Sixers will reach the NBA Finals: Harden the playmaker

James Harden will have a full Sixers training camp and preseason before the team plays their first game versus Boston on opening night. Ideally, this will provide a foundational chemistry that he did not have a chance to build right after the Brooklyn trade. How significant is this?

Roles will be defined more clearly. Plays will be practiced more precisely. Team identity will be developed more firmly. The NBA Top 75 player and future Hall of Famer already corralled his teammates in Los Angeles this summer for team building. As a leader, he’s done what’s needed to be done off the court. Now, he will be able to redeem himself on the court once the Sixers begin the season.

I believe that for the Sixers to make the NBA Finals this year, Harden must average more assists and decrease his shot total. Why? It will get the ball moving more. Others will thrive offensively and gain confidence with the system. It also takes pressure off of him to carry the burden of scoring the way he did in Houston when Embiid sits on the bench.

Last season, Harden averaged 10.5 assists per game. If he dished out 12 or 13 dimes a night, think of how many more shots Joel Embiid and the rest of the team can benefit from in the offense. All of the 3-point shooters that Daryl Morey has brought in to generate space will feast because of Harden’s vision and ability.

The more the the ball is shared, the more involved everyone gets in the grand scheme of things. Spreading the wealth will prevent a stagnant offense and help Harden’s teammates develop rhythm and confidence for when they need it most in the playoffs.