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Joel Embiid on James Harden: “That’s Not Really My Job…To Tell Him To Take More Shots”

Kyle Pagan

By Kyle Pagan

Published:

Photo Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

After Game 5 Joel Embiid was asked what he thought about James Harden only taking 11 shots. It seemed like he was pretty frustrated with him not being aggressive enough, especially with his right thumb injury:

Joel Embiid is frustrated, Sixers fans are frustrated, I’m frustrated. Yesterday was one of the worst efforts I’ve seen in the playoffs and if we’re being honest the Sixers haven’t played a good half in five out of the last six quarters. They’re a Joel Embiid turnaround three and two Precious Achiuwa missed free throws from being down 3-2.

James Harden has fallen off a cliff. The guy has to completely reinvent his game if this hamstring is going to be an issue for the rest of his career. He has no quick first step anymore, no burst, he can’t finish over guys at the rim, and it looks like there’s no lift on his threes. It feels like watching Chris Paul after he fell off the second year with Houston and Harden. The future of Harden might be to look for more shots from mid-range and facilitate. The days of 24/10/7 are gone. Whether Harden opts in or opts out and potentially signs the the largest deal in NBA history, I think the Sixers might have to do either. I don’t know who else the Sixers would get other than Bradley Beal to complement Embiid. Couple in the fact that there will probably be a new coach, and Harden is Daryl Morey’s guy, the ink might be dry a week after the Sixers are bounced from the playoffs.

What a precursor to last night’s game:

 

Kyle Pagan
Kyle Pagan

Kyle writes blog posts and does Man on the Street-style videos all around Philadelphia. He graduated from Temple University (a basketball school) in 2015. contact: k.pagan@sportradar.com

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