“Sixers would reach the Finals” NBA Insider feels how James Harden would be amongst the Top 3 MVP candidatures next season
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Bobby Marks talks about James Harden
James Harden finally looks settled in a franchise to challenge for his first championship run. After running for the title with three different franchises, 32-year-old star guard has shown confidence in his Philadelphia 76ers team. He even accepted a pay cut to allow Philly to add some meaningful pieces to solidify their chances in the 2023 season. Over the past two years, the narrative around James Harden was that Father Time was catching up to him. But after a ‘disrespectful’ period at the Nets, he made a huge stride with the Philadelphia 76ers, making it to the conference Semis. NBA insider Bobby Marks praises the revolution seen with the star and even claims that Harden will be in MVP discussion once again.
Harden recently was criticized to be “Out-of-shape”, “slow” and “ineffective defensively” during his infamous 1 season at the Nets. After dealing with hamstring issues in Brooklyn, it was clear the 2017-18 MVP had lost a step physically. But Harden remains a high-impact player even with the Nets and now in his short stretch with the Philadelphia 76ers, he excelled in every department.
James Harden and the Philadelphia 76ers have found a perfect balance.
The California-born megastar has proved his worth in various franchises he played in. After leaving OKC, he became a franchise player at Houston Rockets. They tried providing different support to the Beard with some different trades like Russell Westbrook (2019), Chris Paul (2018), and Star center Dwight Howard (2013), but nothing seems to help Harden win his first title.
Personally, Harden had monumental seasons with the Rockets, winning his regular season MVP award and also 3-scoring titles in successive seasons. But he then moved to Nets and then to 76ers in search of his 1st championship ring.
While playing alongside another megastar in Joel Embiid, and upcoming star Tyrese Maxey, Harden feels his best shot at the title. James Harden averaged 21 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 10.5 assists for 76ers last season. While many labeled this a “down year,” it is still a level of production most players dream of.
Interestingly this offseason, Harden made it clear how committed he is to winning. Along with taking a hefty pay cut so the Sixers could upgrade the roster, he’s worked diligently to get back in top shape. All the time he has put in the summer has begun to turn some heads in the national media.
During a recent appearance on ESPN, NBA insider Bobby Marks gave the Sixers’ All-Star point guard high praise. He said, “I think we’re gonna be talking about James Harden in the top 3 when we talk about MVP conversation. I think this is a redemtpion year. … I think we’re going to see the Houston version of James Harden in Philadelphia.”
Marks feels that Harden and Joel Embiid has struck a perfect partnership at Philly. Embiid has been regular in MVP discussions for the last few seasons, and with help of Harden, he can also make a huge impact on games.
Looking at the Philadelphia Sixers’ current roster, it might be the best collection of talent Harden ever had in his career. He might play smart and make triple-double production on a nightly basis, helping his way to MVP next season. 2023 might arguably be his best chance to earn the ring that has eluded him his entire career.
With players like Danuel House Jr., P.J. Tucker, and De’Anthony Melton, the Sixers have a plethora of knockdown shooters to put around him and Joel Embiid. Harden can even make a massive impact playing with the 2nd unit at 76ers.
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Kunal Chawda
(600 Articles Published)