The Philadelphia 76ers have started 0-3 on the 2022-23 season. With two MVP like players on the roster, and a fanbase desperate for success (even though they are distracted by the Phillies World Series appearance at the moment). Is it too early to worry in Philly?
What is the Problem with the 76ers?
Yes, the 76ers have played two games against the top two teams in the east in the Celtics and Bucks. Also yes, the 76ers have two of the best players in the league on their roster.
However, they have not looked like a team that is poised to make a deep run this season.
James Harden getting back to his absolute best with Joel Embiid being the first option will be a difficult road to navigate for any coach.
Both of these players are ball dominate players who look for the other to get out of their way more than working together. Outside of the pick and roll which puts Harden in his comfort zone, however, Embiid is better is solo ball on the post.
Can this Tandem Work?
It has been a few years since James Harden has shown true dominance in the NBA. Since leaving Houston it has become more and more evident that he is a volume scorer who lacks ability to win close games.
Also Harden lacks the ability to contribute to the game in any other faucet than scoring the ball. He has beautiful vision and makes great passes, just not consistently.
Since becoming a point guard he has shown he doesn’t know how to get other players into their rhythm. As a two guard his whole life, looking for his own shot comes first nature to Harden.
Also, rebounding and defense are categories where Harden struggles to add anything positive to the team.
Joel Embiid is very similar in many ways, besides dominating on defense and rebounding. He is also a ball first, find his own shot player.
He is an above average passer, yet, he does not look to pass often. With talent like his, how come blame him.
Is it Too Early to Worry?
The short answer is yes. This team should bounce back and go on a couple great runs through out the season. The 76ers can still reach all of the preseason milestones expected of them and be a top three seed in the east come playoffs.
The real answer is no. Basketball minds are watching this team and there is no way for it to iron out for a long enough period to be beneficial. Harden and Embiid are two Hall of Fame talents, yet, they do not gel together nicely.
We saw this happen with Embiid and former point guards as well as James Harden and basically every other superstar he has ever played with. I do not see Philadelphia as a treat to anybody this season with the current roster staying the same.
Get the latest sports news via Fantom Sports Industries. Follow us on twitter via @Fantom_sports. Like us on Facebook via Fantom Sports Industries. Subscribe to our YouTube channel via Fantom Sports. Subscribe to our Newsletter! Shop Fantom Sports Industries Merch.
Rowan Donaghey is a Sports and Betting Insider for Fantom Sports Industries. Follow him on twitter for daily content via @RowanDonaghey
Invest in your favorite athletes like stocks with “Prediction Strike!” Use code FANTOM when you sign up
