Should The Philadelphia 76ers Target This Superstar Free Agent?
Updated: Jun 27, 2023
With James Harden still not deciding to leave or stay with Philly, the 76ers can start scanning for potential replacements. Fred VanVleet was a possible replacement, but Philly will need a giant star than that to continue to compete.
Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving is fresh off of a season averaging 27 points off of 48% from the field and 37% from three. Kyrie offers a different skill set than James Harden, who averages in the low 20s but generates ten assists per game. Irving provides a consistent scoring option alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
Pros
Irving gives the 76ers a lot more firepower scoring-wise than Harden. While James Harden was excellent in his role, initiating the offense and getting others involved, he was highly inconsistent. Irving is a much more consistent scorer than Harden, and his production usually stays even in the playoffs.
James Harden has had his shortcomings in the playoffs, and he has averaged around 20 points per game on terrible efficiency. If the 76ers want to be a championship contender, Harden likely cannot be your number two scoring option.
Cons
While not a scorer, Harden has a knack for getting role players involved in the offense. The pick and roll of Harden and Embiid was the strong point of the 76ers' offense.
Kyrie Irving has been slightly flaky in the past, and he won't be able to have the pick-and-roll connection Harden and Embiid had.
Kyrie is also even more minor than Harden and a significantly worse defender. A backcourt of Maxey and Kyrie will be horrid defensively.
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