The championship-starved Philadelphia 76ers haven't celebrated an NBA title in nearly 40 years. And newly acquired superstar James Harden believes that, while playing alongside elite center Joel Embiid, the team can finally achieve the goal this summer. In Harden's words, "The opportunity to win is now."
It's no secret that Harden and Embiid have complementary skillsets, and the dynamic duo should be able to disrupt opposing defenses with their talents. But are the Sixers now destined to win a league title this season with Harden in the fold? Zach Gelb doesn't believe so. In fact, he doubts that Philadelphia will ever hoist a Larry O'Brien Trophy while the bearded superstar plays there.
"Why would I anticipate, long-term, this is going to work? The stigma around James Harden is, 'great player, but can't finish in the big moment,'" Gelb said during Wednesday's edition of The Zach Gelb Show. "Also, through time, and it's usually not a long time, his relationship with somebody who he wants to play with deteriorates... It wouldn't shock me, whatsoever, if the Sixers are in a playoff series this year, Harden misses a crucial shot, and then maybe there becomes a contentious relationship with Harden and Embiid...
"I'm not saying it was the wrong move to get Harden... It's an upgrade. But I wouldn't anticipate [an NBA Finals trip], in an open conference... I really do think that Harden, for the rest of the season, has the most pressure on him... As great as his career has been, he'll be remembered, sure, as a great player. Sure, as an offensive force and MVP. But in those main talking points, didn't get it done in clutch moments. Had many rocky relationships with teammates. He can erase the latter part of the narrative if he gets it done with Embiid."
Harden won't make his Sixers debut until after the All-Star break, as he's still recovering from a recent left hamstring injury. According to projections from FiveThirtyEight, Philadelphia currently has a 12-percent chance to reach the NBA Finals and a 5-percent chance to win the title. If Harden exercises his $47.3 million player option for the 2022-23 season, he could receive a five-year, $270 million contract extension from the team.
Gelb's complete thoughts on Harden and the Sixers can be accessed in the audio player above.
You can follow The Zach Gelb Show on Twitter @ZachGelb and Tom Hanslin @TomHanslin.