Sixers Podcast: Sixers Basketball is Back + Harden reports to training camp
The Sixer Sense Podcast is not the only thing back this week; we have Sixers Basketball back (kind of). Sunday night saw the start of the Sixers’ preseason games against the Boston Celtics. Unfortunately, the Sixers lost 114-106, but preseason games are not something to read too much into. Joel Embiid, James Harden, and De’Anthony Melton all sat out the contest, which allowed Tyrese Maxey to show out. Did Maxey show you enough to make you feel confident that he can take the reins over from James Harden should he be traded?
Even though it is a preseason game, Lucas Johnson and Jonathan Geib saw some good and bad things to write home about. Jaden Springer looked great seeing the second-most minutes for the Sixers and showcasing his athleticism and shooting prowess. Will he be able to parlay this into meaningful playing time during the regular season? On the other hand, the frontcourt was disappointing. The talk this offseason was that we had a logjam with Embiid, Paul Reed, Montrezl Harrell, Mo Bamba, and Filip Petrusev. Three of these players played last night and they did not give any confidence that Embiid will have a reliable backup. Who will step up and earn primary backup responsibilities, because it appears wide open right now?
In surprising news, James Harden has shown up to Sixers training camp in Colorado and he actually looks…good? Reports are that Harden is not causing any issues and is even doing additional work after practice. Will this last with Harden? Or is there an ulterior motive for him here? The Los Angeles Clippers’ pursuit of Harden is becoming more aggressive. Do Lucas and Jonathan see a trade being finalized before the start of the Sixers season? What would that package look like in return for the Sixers?
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