You are seeing proof of concept for the trade
James Harden is able to absorb All-NBA caliber defenders, can make plays in isolation, and has helped a supercharge the bigs
Having a player who does that and can credibly guard 2-4 (He guards, he really does) is huge
Spent time tonight on Paul Reed even; you can’t do that with a smaller guard
Darius Garland will be an all-star caliber player for years to come but Harden is an All-NBA guy still & such a unique fit with this core
*They also did it to have more optionality in the event that they lost earlier than expected, they are getting out in front of the small guard market (See: Trae Young)
Never forget that the Sixers traded James Harden away because they didn’t want to commit to him long-term and instead chose Paul George…
It’s 2026, and James Harden has made the Conference Finals, and Philly has yet to do so. 😬