Joel Embiid wanted Bradley Beal ahead of James Harden?

Bill Simmons: Embiid really wanted Bradley Beal and was pushing really hard for it and was talking to him all the time and was pushing, pushing, pushing. Part of the reason the trade stuff took so long was because there was a Sixer side that wanted …

Bill Simmons: Embiid really wanted Bradley Beal and was pushing really hard for it and was talking to him all the time and was pushing, pushing, pushing. Part of the reason the trade stuff took so long was because there was a Sixer side that wanted Harden and obviously Daryl (Morey) because Harden is his guy, but Embiid really wanted Beal because he felt like he was a better fit and was pushing, pushing pushing… then Beal gets hurt. Embiid is still pushing: ‘No, Beal, Beal’. He’s still working on him. And then Beal’s like, ‘I’m out’ and he’s getting surgery. And then that’s how we end up with the Harden situation.
Source: Spotify

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
‘Dissecting Tyrese Maxey’s thrilling outing vs. Knicks, James Harden’s home debut and Sixers’ bench’ by Locked On 76ers – Daily Podcast On The Philadelphia Sixers megaphone.link/LKN1904664380 w/ @devong975 – 7:35 AM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
“Just the excitement from the beginning of the game. I felt the energy. I felt the love. So I just wanted to come out there and show my love back,” James Harden
Harden doesn’t disappoint #Sixers fans who came to witness him play at Wells Fargo Center inquirer.com/sixers/james-h… – 7:34 AM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
James Harden doesn’t disappoint #Sixers fans who came to witness him play at Wells Fargo Center inquirer.com/sixers/james-h… via @phillyinquirer – 5:40 AM
Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
James Harden after debut in Philadelphia: It feels like home sportando.basketball/en/james-harde… – 4:13 AM
CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
James Harden’s honeymoon with 76ers continues as he energizes Philly fans in win over Knicks
By: @therealmikekb
cbssports.com/nba/news/james… – 1:59 AM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
James Harden has been a seamless fit here in the early going. The team discussed how he’s been able to fit in so easily. #Sixers sixerswire.usatoday.com/2022/03/03/six… via @SixersWire #NBA – 12:16 AM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
James Harden felt a lot of love from the fan base in tonight’s win over the Knicks and it felt like home to him #Sixers sixerswire.usatoday.com/2022/03/02/jam… via @SixersWire #NBA – 12:13 AM
Marc Berman @NYPost_Berman
Julius Randle rips #Knicks effort on ‘D’ in ugly loss to Harden, #76ers #NBA nypost.com/2022/03/02/fre… – 12:03 AM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
Updated #NBA column: The #Sixers’ Doc Rivers is in the process of determining what will be his playoff rotation three games into James Harden’s time here: https://t.co/hO0iAeh68W #76ers pic.twitter.com/8BAfUNl7Mk – 11:50 PM

Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Tyrese Maxey had 21 points after halftime and it came after James Harden told him to wake up a bit out on the floor #Sixers sixerswire.usatoday.com/2022/03/02/six… via @SixersWire – 11:46 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers James Harden: ‘The second half, we came out with some energy’ to help overcome a 16-point deficit in a relatively flat first half. – 10:56 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers James Harden: ‘I feel comfortable in any (new) situation’ – 10:54 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers James Harden on his Philly home debut: ‘I felt the love’ pic.twitter.com/3D0JTbOKU8 – 10:53 PM

Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
“It was great, man. I felt the energy and I felt the love. Just wanted to show my love back” -James Harden on his home debut #Sixers – 10:52 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Joel Embiid on being asked if he’s been the #Sixers’ culture said. “I’ve been through a lot. I’ve been through a lot. Whether you talk about freaking GMs using burner accounts and talking trash on their players….” pic.twitter.com/TuZyHqVkiG – 10:47 PM

Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Joel Embiid, talking about how he’s been the one constant through the years, and how he’s tried to keep the team’s culture strong through changes, started it off by noting: “I’ve been through a lot. Whether it’s GMs using burner accounts, talking trash on his players…” – 10:38 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Joel Embiid just referenced burner gate from the Bryan Colangelo era in terms of all of the stuff he’s been through here #Sixers – 10:36 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers Joel Embiid on he and James Harden being compared to all-time greats like Shaq and Kobe: pic.twitter.com/g5KaU1FHf1 – 10:36 PM

Marc Berman @NYPost_Berman
Free-falling #Knicks overwhelmed by 76ers, James Harden #NBA nypost.com/2022/03/02/fre… – 10:34 PM
Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
Joel Embiid on what he has in common with James Harden:
“We’re smart basketball players. Locked in” adds that they are both “all about the team” #Sixers – 10:32 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers Joel Embiid on the atmosphere in James Harden’s first home game : ‘It was great. Philly fans always deliver’ pic.twitter.com/30GIWdC1d1 – 10:31 PM

Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
Joel Embiid on the #Sixers crowd tonight: “It was great.. felt like a playoff atmosphere.” Adds that Philly fans “always come through” – 10:30 PM
Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
Joel Embiid says that the #Sixers just all “fit well together,” right now.
Tyrese Maxey agrees and says they all just want to win. They don’t care about stats or how ugly it is… they just care about wins #Sixers – 10:27 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers Joel Embiid: ‘We all just fit together. You got someone like James who comes in with his scoring ability and passing ability … He’s been great.’ – 10:27 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Doc Rivers praises Tyrese Maxey, who had a third straight strong game with James Harden in the lineup. Said he possesses rare speed for anyone in the NBA, and that he’s been using that speed to put pressure on the opposing defenses. – 10:24 PM
Michael Lee @MrMichaelLee
James Harden was sandbagging like a mug. – 10:18 PM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
The @Philadelphia 76ers’ starting five was tremendously efficient tonight:
Harden: 8-13 fg
Maxey: 7-12 fg
Thybulle: 4-6 fg
Harris: 5-10 fg
Embiid: 7-15 fg – 10:18 PM
Michael Scotto @MikeAScotto
James Harden on his 76ers home debut: “It was a movie. Everything I expected it to be.” (ESPN postgame TV interview) – 10:17 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
26-9-9 for Harden
27-12-4 for Embiid
25-4-3 for Maxey
The Sixers win again with a formula that is becoming familiar phillyvoice.com/instant-observ… – 10:15 PM
Dan Favale @danfavale
tyrese maxey through three games with james harden:
-24.7 pts
-57.1% on twos (16/28)
-64.3% on threes (9/14)
-2.7 ast
-0.3 tov pic.twitter.com/g5LNBK5veC – 10:13 PM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Sixers beat the Knicks 123-108 in James Harden’s Philly debut. They are 39-23. Embiid, Maxey and Harden combine for 78 points. Hard stretch ahead. – 10:13 PM
Fred Katz @FredKatz
Final: 76ers 123, Knicks 108.
Knicks fall to 25-37 on the season, 12th in the East. They’ve lost 16 of 19.
• Barrett 30-6-7
• Randle 24-6-3
• Harden 26-9-9
• Embiid 27-12-4
• Maxey 25-4-3
Knicks let go of 16-point lead, get outscored 68-46 in second half. – 10:10 PM
Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
James Harden on home debut: “It was a movie. Everything I expected it to be” – 10:10 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Final, Sixers win 123-108, improving to 3-0 since the Harden trade and 38-23 on the season.
Big games once again from each of the Sixers’ big 3:
Embiid: 27/12/4
Harden: 26/9/9
Maxey: 25/4/3
The trio shot 22-40 from the field for their 78 points. – 10:09 PM
Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
Joel Embiid 27pts, 12reb
James Harden 26pts, 9reb, 9ast
Tyrese Maxey 25pts
That, ladies & gentlemen, is a big three. – 10:08 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
All 5 starters have now scored in double figures. A once 16-point deficit is now a 16-point lead with 1:42 to play. Philly will improve to 3-0 on the James Harden era. #Sixers – 10:03 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
James Harden hits Matisse Thybulle with a touchdown pass for a layup, and then holds his hands up to the sky as he walks back to the bench after the Knicks call time.
76ers lead 118-102 with 1:42 to go, and Philly is going to move to 3-0 since trading for Harden. – 10:03 PM
Kyle Kuzma @kylekuzma
That harden embiid sequence 👀 – 10:02 PM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Joel Embiid and James Harden just walked back down the floor laughing at the Tyrese Maxey shot that bailed out a bad possession. Because really, what else is there to do? – 9:58 PM
Noah Levick @NoahLevick
Plus-2 for the Sixers in the second-half minutes without Embiid, which feels like a big win. Tyrese Maxey obviously had a lot to do with that. – 9:48 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
Some Maxey-Harris-Harden minutes while Joel Embiid sit, here in the 4th. – 9:43 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
This looked like a little 2-3 zone by the Sixers with Harden naturally in the rim protector spot pic.twitter.com/B5IcK4zT4F – 9:41 PM

Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
A 38-19 third quarter for Philadelphia has put the 76ers out in front 93-81 heading to the fourth quarter here in Philly. James Harden has 24-6-6, and Joel Embiid has 23-11-3. Knicks not named RJ Barrett and Julius Randle are a combined 14-for-46. – 9:34 PM
Fred Katz @FredKatz
Through three quarters, the 76ers lead the Knicks 93-81.
• Barrett 23-4-4
• Randle 19 & 5
• Embiid 23-11-3
• Harden 24-6-6
• Maxey 15-4-3
76ers won the third quarter 38-19. – 9:33 PM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Hard not to feel pretty good about Embiid, Maxey and shooters against bench lineups. – 9:28 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
Maxey showing off the Harden step back. – 9:28 PM
Nick DePaula @NickDePaula
Joel Embiid breaks out the @Under Armour Hoops Flow FUTR X for the first time: pic.twitter.com/V1VmUcmVcM – 9:26 PM

Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Embiid’s defensive intensity in this quarter is miles ahead of where it was in the first half. Big reason they’re leading right now. – 9:22 PM
Salman Ali @SalmanAliNBA
That was such a scary tumble by Embiid. Wild fall. – 9:18 PM
Jason Dumas @JDumasReports
Who falls(fell) less gracefully, Joel Embiid or Mike Vick – 9:18 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
James Harden gives Philadelphia the lead on that free throw. It’s their 1st lead of the night after trailing by as many as 16. #Sixers – 9:16 PM
Steve Popper @StevePopper
Harden to the line with 5:56 left in the third – gives the Sixers their first lead of the night, 74-73. – 9:16 PM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
Joel Embiid has a 19-point, 10-rebound double-double.
There are 8 minutes left in the third quarter. – 9:12 PM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Sure looked like Harden looked at Harris after that possession and said, “Shoot the ball.” And if he didn’t, he should have. – 9:10 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Nice drive and dish over Joel Embiid to Mitchell Robinson for a dunk by RJ Barrett, who then follows it up with a 3. Nice game from Barrett, who is up to 22 points and is trying to keep the Knicks in front here in Philly. – 9:09 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
James Harden (2,557) needs 4 more 3-pointers to pass Reggie Miller (2,560) for third place on the #NBA‘s all-time list. – 9:09 PM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Outside of a big offensive half from James Harden (19-5-5), lots of negatives for the Sixers in that 24 minutes. Backup center still not looking so hot, a frustrated Embiid (although his numbers are fine), losing the math battle by a lot.
All that said, only down 62-55. – 8:49 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Knicks lead 62-55 at halftime here in Philly. Great start for James Harden, who has 19 points, five rebounds and three assists, and he and Joel Embiid have combined for 13 FTAs. But Philly’s 8 turnovers have become 16 Knicks points, and the Knicks have 20 FTAs as a team. – 8:48 PM
Fred Katz @FredKatz
Halftime. Knicks lead the 76ers 62-55.
• Barrett 19 pts, 6-12 FGs
• Randle 16 & 5, 7-15 FGs
• Harden 19-5-3
• Embiid 13 & 9
Knicks shooting 43-29-70 with 3 TOs. They’re 14-20 from the line.
76ers shooting 50-33-77. – 8:47 PM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
Huge bucket through traffic at the buzzer from Tobias Harris. @Philadelphia 76ers cut the deficit to 7 at halftime.
Harden: 19 PTS / 5 REB / 3 AST
Embiid: 13 PTS / 9 REB – 8:47 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Knicks 62, Sixers 55 after Harris gets all the way to the rim for the finish right before the buzzer. Harden with 19-5-3. Embiid with 13 and 9. Knicks have scored 16 points off eight Sixers turnovers, while Barrett has 19 points. – 8:47 PM
Marc Berman @NYPost_Berman
Barrett with 19, Randle with 16 and Knicks lead Harden’s Sixers 62-55 at halftime. Not as joyous in Old Towne as before tip. – 8:46 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Big play by Tobias Harris there. Philly trails the Knicks at halftime 62-55. James Harden has 19, 5, and 3 and Joel Embiid has 13 and 9. #Sixers – 8:46 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Embiid has gone coast-to-coast off the rebound the past two possessions. Led to a finish at the rim and now a trip to the free throw line. Trying to chip away at the Knicks’ double-digit deficit. – 8:43 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Joel Embiid has been called for a tech following that no-call on the other end for him and then Tobias Harris picking up a foul on defense #Sixers – 8:33 PM
Salman Ali @SalmanAliNBA
This is the most fun version of James Harden and I don’t think he’s even fully recovered from that hammy yet. – 8:32 PM
John Gonzalez @JohnGonzalez
Look if the Sixers lose this game I’m not saying it’s @YourManDevine’s fault for jinxing them by writing this morning that Embiid & Harden are the best duo in NBA history — which is weird to say so soon but hey Dan said it not me — but I’m not NOT saying he’s to blame either – 8:32 PM
Chiney Ogwumike @chiney
Love bringing my breakdowns to NBA Countdown!! 🥰
I know it’s only been a few games with Harden.. but here is the SURPRISE player that has benefitted the most so far in Philly: pic.twitter.com/uQiaWVJLPZ – 8:29 PM

Steve Popper @StevePopper
Obi Toppin should be applying medicine to Derrick Rose’s ankle. He has been sprinting the floor tonight with Harden or Shake Milton chasing him and Quickley and Cam have not tried once to find him. – 8:29 PM
NBA Kicks @NBAKicks
James Harden makes his Philadelphia home debut in the adidas Harden Vol. 6! #NBAKicks pic.twitter.com/0owd8Q2pTK – 8:27 PM

Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Knicks 33, Sixers 25 at the end of the first after Harden misses a 3 at the buzzer. He’s 2-of-5 from the floor for six points, and has 3 rebounds and 1 assist. Embiid has 7 and 5. Big stat: The Sixers have four turnovers for eight points, while Knicks have zero. – 8:15 PM
Fred Katz @FredKatz
Through one quarter, the Knicks lead the 76ers 33-25.
• Randle 12 & 2
• Barrett 8 pts
• Embiid 7 & 5
• Harden 6 & 3 – 8:15 PM
Michael Grange @michaelgrange
Embiid being an excellent FT shooter is such a weapon. – 8:12 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Paul Millsap is getting ready to check in for Joel Embiid’s first sub of the game, for those wondering. – 8:11 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers Paul Millsap is about to come in for Joel Embiid. – 8:11 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Looks like Millsap will get the backup five minutes again. At the scorer’s table with Harden – 8:11 PM
Fred Katz @FredKatz
Guarding Joel Embiid in a nutshell:
The Knicks are on their third center of the night, and it’s still the first quarter. – 8:10 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Four fouls for Robinson and Sims in the first eight minutes of the game. Knicks throwing Taj Gibson in to see if a third guy can avoid fouling Embiid – 8:10 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Embiid has already drawn two fouls on Robinson and one on Sims. Same formula as Sunday. He’s about to shoot his fifth and sixth free throws. – 8:09 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
James Harden with a step back triple and then Matisse Thybulle knocks down a 3. Game tied at 20. It looks like they’ve settled themselves down a bit. Just needed Harden to get that 1st home bucket out of the way. #Sixers – 8:04 PM
Stefan Bondy @SBondyNYDN
RJ Barrett now having trouble staying with James Harden. Knicks centers again in foul trouble. Nine-point lead disappeared.
Knicks 20, Sixers 20 – 8:04 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
James Harden gets his 1st home bucket on an And-1 from Jericho Sims. Crowd went wild on it. #Sixers – 8:02 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
And, like his first basket as a Sixer last Friday in Minnesota, Harden’s first bucket at home is a drive from the left side that results in an and-one layup after taking contact from defenders and scoring. – 8:02 PM
Steve Popper @StevePopper
And Mitch with two fouls – Sims in. Both fouled out Sunday vs. Embiid. – 7:56 PM
Dan Favale @danfavale
i am enjoying the heightened speed with which the james harden-era sixers play – 7:56 PM
Steve Popper @StevePopper
Just got the first fan yelling, “Shoot it Harden, get the record.” – 7:51 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
Harden just looks right in the red unis. – 7:46 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
James Harden being introduced at home for the 1st time #Sixers pic.twitter.com/piOJONc64B – 7:46 PM

John Gonzalez @JohnGonzalez
this ESPN open comparing Harden and Embiid to:
Shaq & Kobe
Magic & Kareem
Jordan & Pipen
Would like to thank whichever Philly-native producer came up with that – 7:45 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
There’s a playoff-level atmosphere in here today. The only thing that rivaled the noise for James Harden’s introduction was Joel Embiid’s a few moments later. – 7:44 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers announcer @MattyCord introduces James Harden first to deafening cheers. – 7:43 PM
Steve Popper @StevePopper
It is packed to the rafters and really, really loud here at Wells Fargo Center — and they haven’t gotten to the Harden debut intro yet. – 7:41 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Lot of energy here inside Wells Fargo Center tonight as we get set for James Harden’s debut. People here have had a couple of weeks to get ready for this one, and should be an even more raucous crowd than usual as a result. – 7:38 PM
Stefan Bondy @SBondyNYDN
Philly crowd is jacked up for James Harden’s debut. – 7:34 PM
The Ringer @ringernba
“With Maxey, Harden, and Embiid, the Sixers have two stars and one rising star which could lead them to contention for years to come.” —@Kevin O’Connor
📺: https://t.co/Ienr3wLeN9 pic.twitter.com/4Lea6QlmSl – 7:31 PM
The Vertical @YahooSportsNBA
James Harden’s fit for his Sixers home debut is ___?
pic.twitter.com/spjvjtpl7W – 7:14 PM

Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Sixers starters: Thybulle, Harris, Embiid, Maxey, Harden – 7:02 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Regular starting lineup tonight. Maxey, Harden, Thybulle, Harris, and Embiid #Sixers – 7:02 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
More James Harden warm up work #Sixers pic.twitter.com/O3jUEymIBX – 6:41 PM

Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
More James Harden work #Sixers pic.twitter.com/nhYibt7KtD – 6:39 PM

Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
James Harden work before his home debut #Sixers pic.twitter.com/B6mAKeyMbj – 6:36 PM

Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
James Harden enters the court to cheers. #Sixers pic.twitter.com/GpWoYIPX4M – 6:36 PM

Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
James Harden has made his appearance on the home court #Sixers pic.twitter.com/Lv6vwYoGfL – 6:33 PM

Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
James Harden takes the court at the Wells Fargo Center for his first warmup as a member of the #Sixers pic.twitter.com/ch3FZ2VrA7 – 6:33 PM

Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
Load Mismanagement w/@jphanned is live
@Underdog__NBA
– Harden’s home debut
– Bucks vs. Heat showdown
– Campayne’ing for office
– Jokic vs. Shai
– Sneaky Pels
– Fastest 5 Minutes in the NBA
Talking about it all leading up to tipoff, get up in here
➡️ https://t.co/rIPGX4FiPI pic.twitter.com/vVw4IZLJAh – 6:32 PM

Jeff Goodman @GoodmanHoops
Is Ja Morant the Best Show in Basketball? + The Harden/Embiid Duo | Bob Ryan & Jeff Goodman Podcast w/ @Gary Tanguay twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1… – 6:30 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Doc Rivers says the plan is to look into Willie Cauley-Stein a bit tonight backing up Joel Embiid #Sixers – 5:57 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
#DidYouKnowFlow: #Sixers PG James Harden needs six three-pointers to move ahead of Reggie Miller and into third place on the #NBA all-time three-point list. pic.twitter.com/xtXrkMaUMI – 5:46 PM

Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
Over/under for combined free throw attempts for Embiid and Harden tonight: ♾ – 5:03 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
A little over three hours until James Harden makes his #Sixers’ home debut against the #Knicks on Wilt Night: pic.twitter.com/qMSb7hnfzv – 4:20 PM

The Ringer @ringernba
Feast, feast, feast.
Thanks to the attention James Harden draws, Tyrese Maxey has been feasting on weaker defenders and getting open shots off cuts, relocations, and his pure speed in transition. #TheVoidNBA
📺: https://t.co/Ienr3x2QbJ pic.twitter.com/ttqdUCetOF – 4:12 PM
Kevin O’Connor @KevinOConnorNBA
New video on why Tyrese Maxey has been a perfect backcourt fit with James Harden through two games, plus some of the wrinkles we’ve seen the Sixers already install with Harden as a screener. @ringer @ringernba – 3:23 PM
Kevin O’Connor @KevinOConnorNBA
Here’s why Tyrese Maxey is excelling playing with James Harden
Full video: https://t.co/Md7RFZROVw pic.twitter.com/fCXctMA8ht – 3:21 PM

Marc Berman @NYPost_Berman
Tonight will be huge retest for rookie center Jericho Sims against Joel Embiid as #Knicks president Leon Rose on hand in Philly to evaluate roster for next season nypost.com/2022/03/02/kni… – 2:57 PM
CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
NBA Star Power Index: LeBron James still gives Lakers hope; James Harden, Joel Embiid begin free-throw parade
cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-s… – 2:36 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Matisse Thybulle on James Harden’s upcoming home debut: “I had people reaching out to me because tickets are impossible to get or you can’t afford them, they’re nonexistent. So I have a feeling it’s gonna be pretty crazy. People want to see greatness… – 2:27 PM
Jason Dumas @JDumasReports
Would be crazy if James Harden passed Reggie Miller for third on the all-time three pointer list tonight in Philly debut. Just needs six to pass him. – 2:24 PM
Steve Popper @StevePopper
Feels ominous that the Knicks are in Philly tonight for the 60th anniversary of Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game — and it’s Harden’s home debut with the Sixers. The record can’t be broken…can it? No. I don’t think. – 2:23 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Give Em To Me! I want your predictions for tonight’s #Sixers vs. #Knicks game. I want the winning team, final score and points for Joel Embiid, James Harden and Julius Randle. #NBA      #PhilaUnite #NewYorkForever pic.twitter.com/bDOB0WIY12 – 2:00 PM

Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Over time, teams increasingly trapped Harden 30′ out, forcing Clint Capela to be a decision-maker off the pick-and-roll rather than a finisher.
That won’t work against the Joel Embiid.
More on the new pick-and-roll dynamic, and other initial takeaways.
https://t.co/VRcSIdzFyv pic.twitter.com/Jydvknivvl – 1:23 PM

Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Tobias Harris’ role with Sixers changed after the James Harden trade. And he’s accepted that. inquirer.com/sixers/tobias-… via @phillyinquirer – 1:20 PM
Chris Herring @Herring_NBA
Show of hands: Anybody out there have a Melo Rockets jersey, Wall Rockets jersey, Isaiah Cavs jersey, Harden Nets jersey, then end up with buyer’s remorse? – 12:37 PM
Zach Lowe @ZachLowe_NBA
Ahead of Sixers-Knicks and Heat-Bucks tonight — Lowe Post podcast: @Tim Bontemps on the early Harden-Embiid fit, then @Sedano on the team with the East’s best record:
Spotify: spoti.fi/3IyjvtK
Apple: apple.co/3HzRwbM – 12:11 PM
Quinton Mayo @RealQuintonMayo
Kyle Kuzma is just 1/8 players averaging 20+ points and 10+ rebounds since January 1st.
Joel Embiid (33.4/11.5)
Giannis Antetokounmpo (31.7/11.4)
Luka Doncic (29.1/10.1)
Nikola Jokic (25.3/13.6)
KAT (24.5/10.1)
Sabonis (20.3/12.6)
Kyle Kuzma (21.8/10.0)
Julius Randle (20.1/10.5) pic.twitter.com/zR6THvSRZW – 11:08 AM

Noah Levick @NoahLevick
Sam Cassell definitely looks like he’s having a good time working with James Harden: pic.twitter.com/mUbd2Z12Vn – 11:06 AM

Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
James Harden work this morning at shootaround #Sixers pic.twitter.com/Fwr0K9hAN5 – 11:05 AM

The Vertical @YahooSportsNBA
“I think he looks like a combination of Karl Towns and Embiid.”
Wilt dropped 💯 on this day 60 years ago. How would he fit in today’s NBA?
@Vincent Goodwill and @AndyBehrens give their comps. pic.twitter.com/Gb77yH4whQ – 11:00 AM

Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
Matisse Thybulle on what he knew about James Harden before becoming his teammate:
“I knew he was really unfair in 2k for a lot of years.”
🤣 – 10:58 AM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
Matisse Thybulle loves the way James Harden has elevated the @Philadelphia 76ers’ offense:
“I think it’s turned everyone into much more dynamic threats on offense.
For me, to be able to take advantage of his skillset… it’s huge.” – 10:57 AM
NBA Math @NBA_Math
RPR MVP Predictor:
1. Nikola Jokic: 17.62
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo: 16.52
3. Joel Embiid: 16.18
4. DeMar DeRozan: 14.99
5. Luka Doncic: 14.55
6. Trae Young: 13.97
7. Stephen Curry: 13.76
8. Ja Morant: 13.53
9. Chris Paul: 12.86
10. Jayson Tatum: 12.83
https://t.co/onGqrEd9sz pic.twitter.com/5NAoW6vIpp – 10:12 AM

Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Why the Harden/Embiid pick-and-roll is so effective, how Embiid’s growth as a face-up threat over the last few years has helped make it possible, and how it opens up shots for the other 3 players.
ICYMI, my (🔓) likes and dislikes column from yesterday: dailysix.com/james-harden-e… – 8:26 AM
Josh Robbins @JoshuaBRobbins
The Wizards have listed Kristaps Porzingis (right knee bone bruise) as out for Tuesday night’s home game against the Pistons. Porzingis and Bradley Beal (left wrist surgery recovery) are the only injured players whom Washington listed on its report. – 5:35 PM

More on this storyline

 

With Bradley Beal electing for surgery this week, every player on the Wizards’ roster not named Kyle Kuzma is available, three different sources said this week. That doesn’t mean it’s a fire sale — the Wizards definitely want return value — but they are not keeping anyone besides Beal and Kuzma away from talks. -via Action Network / February 10, 2022