“Where this is smoke there is fire” Stephen A. Smith believes Doc Rivers to be sacked by Sixers if Raptors win first-round series


“Where this is smoke there is fire” Stephen A. Smith believes Doc Rivers to be sacked by Sixers if Raptors win first-round series

Stephen A Smith on Doc Rivers

The Philadelphia 76ers have gained a lot of expectations leading up to the 2021-22 season playoffs. The begin with, the team has Joel Embiid who has emerged as one of the league’s most elite players after leading them into the playoffs consistently since his arrival. The player is on his way to becoming the league MVP (potentially).

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James Harden
James Harden

Early in February, the Sixers made a blockbuster move to acquire James Harden swapping Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, and Andre Drummond in the mix. Simmons was one of the biggest defensive strongholds on the roster but his relationship with the franchise did not age well. The beard started his Sixers career putting up good numbers but only for the first five games, his slump soon became a topic of concern coming into the playoffs.

James Harden fails to take the Sixers to a 4-0 sweep

James Harden and Joel Embiid
James Harden and Joel Embiid

As the Sixers found themselves in the playoffs, they were paired with the Toronto Raptors in the first round. Things were going on a smooth journey as they took a massive 3-0 lead over the Raptors. Following their win in Game 3, Joel Embiid made it clear that his intentions were to sweep the opposition but his comments would not translate into reality.

Over the next two games, James Harden shot a total of 9-28 from the field which was too much of a disappointment. The Sixers would two both those games which included a matchup at home. Knowing how talented the beard is, people are starting to speculate that his slump may be intentional. Philadelphia will have to work hard to get a win over the next two games in order to avoid further damage.

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Stephen A. Smith blames James Harden for Sixers’ unsuccessful run

Doc Rivers
Doc Rivers

A short back story… Daryl Morey is currently the general manager of the 76ers and happens to be a very close associate of Harden. As the recent events would suggest, the two seemed to have had unfinished business dating back to the beard time in Houston with Mike Di’Antoni. So, losing this series could potentially mean Doc Rivers will get replaced with the former Rockets coach who has been waiting to be signed.

Stephen A. Smith would agree to the situation saying, “I believe if Doc Rivers doesn’t win this series he’ll be fired. I don’t think he deserves it. I covered the NBA long enough to know where there is smoke there is fire. If you see these stories then there is a reason for them. And the fact that you hear about Di’Antoni who is always behind the scenes lurking to get another job… and both Daryl Morey and James Harden are in Philly… I think the combination of all those things has Doc Rivers in a world of trouble.”

Also read: “I’m calling out Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons because of their impact and effect on the black athlete” Stephen A. Smith lashes out at Academy Award winner Jamie Foxx for unnecessary ‘black-athletes” claim

Also read: I haven’t been guarded like this since high school” Trae Young makes honest admission after Heat elongate Hawks 4-1 in first-round series

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