3 reasons the Philadelphia 76ers won't win the NBA championship

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 30: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers shouts at Kevin Durant #7, James Harden #13 and LaMarcus Aldridge #21 of the Brooklyn Nets during the fourth quarter at Barclays Center on December 30, 2021 in New York City, 3 reasons the Philadelphia 76ers won’t win the NBA championship. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) /

3 reasons the Philadelphia 76ers won’t win the NBA championship: Chemistry

When you bring up the idea of chemistry, a lot of people scoff. But it’s a real thing. Just look at a lot of the champions that have won titles in recent years.

There are obvious exceptions (2020 Lakers, 2019 Raptors), but other than that, it takes years for a championship team to develop. The Miami Heat lost their first year, the Golden State Warriors had to improve internally, the Milwaukee Bucks took a while, and so on.

So to think that Embiid and Harden will instantly have perfect chemistry playing alongside one another is bold. They are going to have to get used to playing with each other.

In fact, the fact that they haven’t played together yet won’t just slow them down, it could actually hurt them. The Sixers have done well this season behind the elite play of Embiid, but adding Harden to the mix could hurt that.

One of the main reasons they have found success with that formula is because the ball has been in Embiid’s hands so much. Now, obviously, Harden’s going to have the ball more.

Embiid has been able to do whatever he wants on the basketball court. Post-up, shoot threes, run the fast break. He’s had complete freedom over Philadelphia’s offense.

Taking the ball away from him and putting it into Harden’s hands will come with some growing pains. It’s going to take the Sixers a while to iron them out.