It is a no surprise that James Harden has made the Philadelphia 76ers better since being acquired in the blockbuster deal with the Brooklyn Nets on February 10. In three games as a member with the 76ers, Harden has scored 82 points and had 37 assists and 27 rebounds. During that time, Philadelphia clobbered the Minnesota Timberwolves 133-102, and then beat the New York Knicks 125-109 and 123-108 in consecutive games.
It should be of no surprise that Harden has had an impact with the 76ers so far. But what might come as a bit of a surprise is the fact that guard Tyrese Maxey of Dallas, Texas seems to be better with Harden in the lineup too. See with Harden coming to Philadelphia, there is more focus on The Beard and The Big Man (Joel Embiid of Yaounde, Cameroon). This has provided more space on the floor for players like Maxey, who have made the most of their opportunities so far.
Maxey has had a fine second-year season in Philly. At age 21, he is averaging 17.3 points per game, 4.5 assists per game, and 3.6 rebounds per game. But in the three games since Harden was in the lineup, Maxey is averaging 24.7 points per game, and is a +70.
There is no doubt that Harden has greater value than Maxey. Without Harden, the 76ers were completely annihilated by the Boston Celtics on February 15, in a 135-87 loss. One must also realize that the 76ers have not played an elite NBA team yet with Harden in the lineup. There appears hope in Philadelphia for a franchise that has not won the NBA Finals since 1983.
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