(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
After a very rocky summer, the Philadelphia 76ers have moved beyond the James Harden era.
Harden got his wish and was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers and the Sixers have been diligently working to create an identity without him.
They are currently the third-best team in the East with an 18-8 record and Joel Embiid is again playing some of the best basketball of his career.
Speaking with Tim Bontemps, via Legion Hoops, Embiid seemingly took a shot at his former teammate.
“You can’t win with the ball sticking and playing iso basketball,” Embiid said, which many see as a dig at Harden.
Joel Embiid says isolation basketball isn’t a winning formula, per @TimBontemps.
“You can’t win with the ball sticking and playing iso basketball.” pic.twitter.com/7pUYSBxZVK
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) December 20, 2023
Isolation ball has always been Harden’s preferred style of play.
It has worked out well for him too, as he has averaged 24.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 7 assists during his 14 years in the league.
It also worked out well for him during his time with the Sixers, because Harden averaged 21 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 10.6 assists during his two seasons in Philadelphia.
However, Harden’s work didn’t result in the team winning a championship and it ended up being a fit that didn’t last for long.
Now that Harden is gone, Embiid feels more comfortable speaking his mind.
He obviously wants to be part of a team that values all players together, working collectively as a unit.
As for Harden, he will keep doing what he’s done with the Clippers.
After a tough start, that team has been surging lately, partly due to Harden’s output on the court.
So while Embiid and the Sixers will focus on team play, Harden will continue to play his style of iso ball and attempt to help the Clippers reach the playoffs.
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