The brief pairing of James Harden with Philadelphia 76ers has turned his head around the NBA. Since Harden was acquired at the close of an NBA deal last month, it’s been a beautiful marriage as Harden has flourished with his new organization.
Philadelphia has been successful since the All-Star break, currently on a four-game winning streak. The 76ers (38-23) are in third place in the tight Eastern Conference race.
Harden looks like an old player so far, as he averages 27.3 points, 9.0 rebounds and 12.3 assists per game with the 76ers. Philadelphia is trending to be one of the deadliest teams in the East.
On ESPN’s “First Take,” analyst Jay Williams talked about how impressive Harden has been so far with his new team.
“How the hell did he lose 10 to 15 pounds? My man looks so good,” Williams said.
James Harden and Philadelphia 76ers impress
It didn’t take long for James Harden to find his chance with his new 76ers teammates, and fans are mesmerized with the new look “76ers”.
Many wonder how Harden can co-prehistoric with the big man of superstar? Joel Embiid. So far, the pairing has only made life easier for Embiid, who is averaging 32.7 ppg and 10.3 rpg playing alongside Harden.
After it seemed like his play had taken a step back with the Brooklyn Nets this season, Harden suddenly looked like a player who had found his groove again.
Time will tell how dangerous the 76ers can be in a competitive Eastern Conference with lots of tough opponents. Right now, it looks like the team has two of the deadliest offensive weapons in the entire league.
Both of those players seem to be playing some of their best basketball. Philadelphia looks like one of the hottest teams in the Eastern Conference with their recent surge. The team beat the Miami Heat two games to take first overall place in the East.
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Harden was in his third team for two seasons, but he has the ability to fit in. Of course, the Elite score will go. He has led the league in scoring three times. But he was both MVP (in 2017-18 with the Houston Rockets) and Sixth Man of the Year (in 2011-12 with the OKC Thunder). His 27.3 ppg is his best scoring average since leading the league at 34.3 ppg during the 2019-20 season with the Rockets.
