James Piercey over at NBA Analysis Network may have it all figured out for the Philadelphia 76ers to get beyond the second round of the playoffs once and for all, but it may put an end to ‘the process’ as we know it, and honestly, the process sucks and I think we need to consider that over anyway. Moving forwards, I’d like to just say the Sixers are reshaping for another run at the playoffs with the hopes of getting out of round two, because that’s their downfall and the current roster can’t hack it.
Piercey thinks one trade that could happen would likely devastate fans who are simply loving Tyrese Maxey, but he may be the one piece that other teams actually like enough to trade a talented veteran to run alongside big baby Joel Embiid if James Harden, who vanishes in playoffs anyway, takes a hike – and to be honest about him, I hope he leaves because he’s got absolutely zero dog mentality, just like the rest of the Sixers except for Maxey who’s young, coachable, and has drive to him.
Piercey says if James Harden leaves the 76ers, the team could be in trouble. Part of that is because there’s not much available for point guards and the 76ers don’t know if Maxey can step it up THAT much in one offseason. Would you trust Maxey to lead the team or would you use him as trade bait for Bradley Beal?
Here’s the trade scenario that Piercey thinks could happen that MAY get the Sixers beyond the second round of the NBA playoffs:
Washington Wizards Receive: F Tobias Harris, G G De’Anthony Melton, G/F Furkan Korkmaz, G Tyrese Maxey, 2029 First-Round Pick (PHI)
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: G Bradley Beal, F Kyle Kuzma
The Wizards aren’t doing much. They were 35-47 last season, so any players they have worth trading should be traded. They’re not winning anything, they just aren’t.
How do you feel about Tobias Harris being shipped off? I say good riddance. Have we ever seen a Sixers team who lacks enthusiasm this much? It’s like these guys don’t care if they win or lose. Their talent has gotten them this far, but not winning when you’re supposed to win. Looking clueless in an elimination game in the playoffs. Doc Rivers sucking when he sucked the most and thank goodness he’s out of town… why can’t this current roster gel the way a championship team gels? Who’s the reason they’re like this? Who’s NOT being a good leader? Do the Sixers have a leader at all?
I’d say go for it and see what happens because this team just is not going to the NBA finals the way they are. They don’t have the dog mentality or heart to figure it out. Facts are facts.
Piercey wrapped his report like with a great question:
On the other hand, the sum could be greater than the parts. Beal is a more active off-ball player than Harden. He may be a more natural fit alongside Joel Embiid. If this duo clicks, they could be explosive.
Meanwhile, Kuzma is a more well-rounded player than Harris as well.
The Sixers would be banking on a more cohesive roster to lead to improvement – even at the expense of talent. What other choice do they have?
Photo: Mogami Kariya, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons