Read to know why Joel Embiid thinks that the prime version of James Harden is no more alive
Philadelphia 76ers’ star thinks James Harden is no more the same player as he used to be with the Rockets. Embiid compares Harden’s current form to his previous form and says, Harden is not in his prime form. The prime version of him is going way back to the times of the Houston Rockets.
Joel Embiid Speaks After James Harden Drops Stinker
"Obviously, I'm sure since we got him, everybody expected the Houston James Harden, but that's not who he is anymore."
–– Joel Embiid on James Harden after Game 6 pic.twitter.com/e5SsMHCGBZ
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) May 13, 2022
Embiid’s feelings towards Harden’s form look disappointed as he expected so much from him but things are not going as it was expected while Harden was bought into the team from the Brooklyn Nets this year.
The 2022 MVP candidate Joel is disappointed with James’ current form and he doesn’t oversee any viscosity from him or fire performance on daily basis. As per SI:
Before James Harden joined the 76ers, Joel Embiid had aspirations of competing for an NBA championship with a superstar guard in town. When Harden joined the squad, it seemed as if the missing piece to the championship-calibre team had arrived. Harden’s offensive prowess had driven the Rockets close to championships multiple times but had never gotten over the hump.
Embiid told reporters after Miami eliminated Philadelphia with a 99–90 Game 6 triumph on Thursday that fans may have to modify their perceptions of Harden in the 76ers’ offence.
“Obviously, I am sure since we got him, everybody expected the Houston James Harden but that’s not who he is anymore,” Embiid said. “He is more of a playmaker.”
According to what Embiid expressed, it basically meant that Harden is not as fast as he used to be and that he has become old. One should not expect any more 30-point triple-doubles from him as well as he doesn’t anticipate any consistency from the player.
Meanwhile, Skip Bayless, who is known for his brutal and straightforward comments on players, this time, had it on James Harden. The sports columnist from America said that James is 32 but acts like 42 and he doesn’t care about how his performance is. The columnist completely lambasted the 76ers newly signed player over his performance for his side against Maimi Heat where Philadelphia lost 99-90 at Game 6. Hardin only contributed with 11 points on 44% shooting.
Harden made his Sixers debut on February 25, scoring 27 points, 12 assists, and grabbing eight rebounds in a 133–102 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
He recorded his 68th career triple-double and first as a 76er in a 125–109 win over the New York Knicks on February 27. He had a season-high 16 assists to go with his 29 points, 10 rebounds, and five steals. In his first two games with a new team, he became the first player in NBA history to score 25 points and dish out 10 assists. Harden made his 2,561st career three-pointer on March 10 against the Nets, passing Reggie Miller (2,560) for third place in total NBA career three-pointers made.
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