We explore whether a rejuvenated James Harden will be enough to power the Philadelphia 76ers in 2022-23.
An argument can be made that the biggest reason the Philadelphia 76ers lost in the Eastern Conference semifinals to the Miami Heat in six games was largely due to a lack of health. In that series, both Joel Embiid and James Harden were banged up.
But what’s done is done. Heading into the 2022-23 NBA season, the Sixers must figure out how not to find themselves in that same predicament come playoff time. But “staying healthy” is a lot easier said than done. Especially in an 82-game season.
If the Philadelphia 76ers can remain healthy, they will be a contender
However, if the Sixers manage to pull it off and remain healthy throughout the season (whether that’s through load management or simply luck), they will undoubtedly be a contender in the Eastern Conference.
That’s because Harden and Embiid are top 5 players at their position when healthy. And you can make an argument that they’re even better when they’re playing at the top of their respective games.
But one of the big questions that revolve around the Sixers heading into this season is whether a healthy Harden and Embiid, at the top, is good enough to win a title.