Joel Embiid Says ‘Plan’ is for James Harden to Make 76ers Debut vs. Timberwolves | Bleacher Report

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It seems James Harden will make his Philadelphia 76ers’ debut this week. 

Whereas talking with the TBS broadcast crew throughout the 2022 NBA All-Star Recreation in Cleveland, Sixers star Joel Embiid said the “plan” is for Harden to make his debut Friday on the highway towards the Minnesota Timberwolves. 

The Brooklyn Nets traded Harden to the Sixers on the Feb. 10 deadline in change for Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, Ben Simmons and two first-round draft picks. He has but to make his debut with the franchise resulting from a hamstring damage. 

Harden hasn’t performed since Brooklyn’s Feb. 2 loss to the Sacramento Kings. In 44 video games with the Nets this season, he averaged 22.5 factors, 8.0 rebounds and 10.2 assists whereas capturing 41.4 % from the ground and 33.2 % from deep.

Though Harden has but to play for the Sixers, he has already made an impression on his new group. 

Tyrese Maxey had a tough begin towards the Milwaukee Bucks final week, however he obtained some recommendation from Harden and ended up ending the sport with 19 factors.

Whereas talking on ESPN’s NBA Today earlier than the 2022 NBA All-Star Recreation, Maxey praised Harden for his management throughout that recreation, which helped the Sixers flip issues round and earn a 123-120 win. 

“I imply that is a former MVP, and I actually respect him. I really feel like I’ve recognized him for a very long time. I’ve solely recognized him for a pair days, however he is been in my ear these days, simply being myself, be aggressive. Final evening within the recreation, I feel he felt like I used to be being passive early, and he pulled me to the facet in a timeout mentioned, ‘go be your self,’ and I attempted to try this, and it in the end helped us win the sport.”

With Harden’s off-court affect is already being noticeable, his on-court impression ought to put the Sixers in a greater spot to compete for the highest spot within the Jap Convention. Philly is presently third within the East with a 35-23 file, simply 2.5 video games behind the highest spot.