Hoops Habit
Fansided

3 reasons why it’s championship or bust for Philadelphia 76ers

By Michael Ivanoskos

Mar 20, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden (1) reacts to the crowd in the third quarter against the Toronto Raptors at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 20, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden (1) reacts to the crowd in the third quarter against the Toronto Raptors at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
Philadelphia 76ers
PHILADELPHIA, PA – MARCH 20: James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Toronto Raptors at the Wells Fargo Center on March 20, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Why it’s championship or bust for Philadelphia 76ers: 1. James Harden situation

James Harden is 32 years old and firmly in his prime, but considering recent struggles with his hamstring, he may only have a few superstar-caliber seasons left for the Sixers. And that’s only if he even commits long-term to Philly, as the deadline was missed for opting into his team option or signing an extension during the season.

The Sixers are still at the pitching table – can they prove capable of a deep playoff run with Harden, Embiid, and company? It may take at least an ECF appearance in their first playoffs together to see The Beard’s return next season or long-term commitment to the franchise.

On top of James’ recent injury history, he has been very hit or miss in the playoffs. He has the capability to get wreckless and set a playoff record in turnovers or even miss over 20 straight three-pointers in the midst of a cold conference finals.

Most recently, it was a devastating injury to his hamstring that snapped his chances to go deep in the playoffs with the Brooklyn Nets.

We also cannot ignore the attitude problems and questions as to if Harden is serious about winning or he’d rather go clubbing the night before a big game. He supposedly acted this way in both Houston and in Brooklyn.

With concerns of injury history, age, long-term commitment, playoff flameouts, and disinterest in winning, why is now any different?