How have James Harden's stats been impacted by playing with Joel Embiid?
It's been a while since the NBA has seen James Harden become one of the top dogs in the league. He won the MVP award back in the 2017-18 season when he averaged 30.4 points, 8.8 assists, 5.4 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game. It was Harden's first season averaging 30+ points per game, and he continued to do so for the next couple of seasons until 2020.
However, ever since leaving the Houston Rockets, James Harden hasn't been the same high-scoring player he once was. His numbers have dropped significantly in terms of points. On the bright side, Harden embraced the role of becoming a playmaker with the Brooklyn Nets. "The Beard" averaged at least 10 assists per game while still putting up 20+ points on a nightly basis.
James Harden's stint with the Nets didn't last very long since he requested to be traded to the Philadelphia 76ers. Now playing alongside Joel Embiid, did Harden's stats improve or get worse? Here's all you need to know.
James Harden's performance with Philly
James Harden was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers after the All-Star break in the 2021-22 season. According to sources, Harden didn't get what he expected from the Brooklyn Nets and ended up becoming frustrated with his situation instead. As a result, a perfect trade came about between two superstars who wanted out. The trade involved Harden and Ben Simmons.
Looking back at the trade, it appears that Philly won the exchange. The new duo of Harden and Joel Embiid looked unstoppable in the remaining games of the season. In fact, they even had a deeper playoff run compared to James' old team. As for the Nets, they had to settle for an injured Ben Simmons, who didn't even play a single game upon his arrival.
Looking at James Harden's stats this season, his figures look relatively the same compared to last year. In the 2021-22 season, Harden averaged 22 points, 10.3 assists, 7.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals. As of December 20 this year, he is averaging 21.9 points, 10.5 assists, 6.6 rebounds and 1.3 steals. Basically, nothing much has changed except for the fact that Harden is with a new team.
According to StatMuse, Harden has played a total of 33 games so far alongside Joel Embiid. He is currently averaging 21.6 points, 10.5 assists, seven rebounds and 1.3 steals per game while playing with the big man. It appears that "The Beard" is comfortable playing with Embiid, given that his game remains consistent.
The Sixers are currently ranked fifth in the East. Ironically, the team that Harden left in the first place is ranked one seed higher. The Nets are currently sitting in the fourth seed. If both teams maintain their current rankings until the end of the regular season, they'll face each other in the playoffs. It'll be the ultimate battle of exes. The series could also determine who won the trade.