3 76ers Primed to Disappoint in 2023-24 Season

2. James Harden

Optimism flowed throughout the Philly air in February 2022 when James Harden was traded from the Brooklyn Nets to the 76ers in a five-player deal.

After all, we were getting rid of the offensive black hole known as Simmons for one of the best guards of the 21st century. Many thought that Harden was the missing piece to help Joel Embiid bring an NBA Championship to the City of Brotherly Love.

Instead, the 76ers don’t have much playoff success to show for it. Both postseason trips during the Harden era resulted in second-round eliminations.

Harden just isn’t the difference-maker that we thought he was. While he’s still a solid playmaker, he can’t be relied on for 30-plus points and five-plus three-pointers on a nightly basis like he could four years ago. He isn’t even drawing fouls like he used to, going from 3.6 shooting fouls drawn per game in 2021-22 to 2.6 last year.

Another way that Harden could disappoint is by how he handles his trade demands. He’s made it abundantly clear that he isn’t happy with general manager Daryl Morey throughout the summer, doing everything from calling him out in a press conference in China to writing “Daryl Morey is a liar” on a sign at a club.

Harden’s antics could tank any worthwhile return that the 76ers could get in a trade. Even if one GM is willing to make a deal with Philadelphia, there’s a chance they know the Sixers might be willing to accept a lesser return if it means getting rid of the Harden headache sooner rather than later.

Whether he stays or goes, it seems like Harden is bound to disappoint 76ers fans at some point this season.