James Harden 76ers Debut

 James Harden made his Philadelphia 76ers debut against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He proved once again once he is fully engaged into a situation he will perform tremendously. He ended up putting up 27 points, 12 assists, and 8 rebounds. He played similar to James Harden in Houston including hitting his signature step back 3 pointer for a 4 point play. This appears to be just the dynamic duo with Joel Embiid  picking up where he left off  prior to the All Star Break. Embiid had himself a monster game including 34 points and 10 rebounds in the 76ers 133-102 victory over the Timberwolves.

If Harden plays like he did last night the 76ers will be a top contender in the Eastern Conference. This can be a very formidable duo for the next few years and even have an opportunity to reach the NBA Finals. If the Sixers can get a consistent third scorer this team will have a great chance to win this season assuming they can sure up some bench productivity. They are currently ranked 27th in bench points.

Harden and Embiid look to be a good duo after one game. Hopefully they can develop enough chemistry this season so we can see what this team can truly do. 

NBA ALL Star Weekend Predictions

 The NBA All Star Weekend is here it is the most exciting time during the NBA Season.

There 3 key events taking place on Saturday night: the Skills Challenge, the 3 Point Shootout and the Slam Dunk Contest. Here are my winners for each contest.

Skills Challenge 

This year the format of the SKills Challenge is different from past years instead of head to head it will be played in a team format. You have three different teams participating this year.

1. The Rookies ( Josh Giddy, Scottie Barnes, and Cade Cunningham)

2. Team Cavs ( Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, and Jarret Allen)

3. Team Antetokounmpo ( Giannis, Thanasis, and Alex)

For this challenge I am going with Team Cavs to take home the trophy for the Hosting Cleveland Cavaliers.

Three Point Shootout

This has recently become the highlight of the night these past few seasons.

As the shooting in the NBA has gotten extremely accurate over the years.

The contestants are the following below.

1. Luke Kennard

2. Patty Mills

3. Desmond Bane

4. Trae Young

5. Zach LaVine

6. CJ McCollum

7. Karl Anthony Towns

For this contest it will be fun to watch.
I am going with Luke Kennard to win the 3 Point shootout.

The Dark Horse of the group is going to be Desmond Bane. 

Slam Dunk Contest

The Slam Dunk Contest is an event that has lacked luster the past few years.

The main reason being that many of the stars are not participating in the Dunk Contest which then loses its luster especially with the casual fan. The contestants are below.

1. Jalen Green

2. Obi Toppin

3. Cole Anthony 

4. Juan Toscano-Anderson

I am picking Jalen Green to win. I believe he is going to show a lot of creativity with his dunks.

He also has great leaping ability as well. Next year they have to get star to do the contestant because you are a die hard fan like myself you have no idea who any of these players are; which is ultimately a bad look when you consider this is All Star Weekend.

In addition for the All Star game itself on Sunday I am going with Team Durant to win and for Ja Morant to win All Star Game MVP!!!!  

Ben Simmons Traded for Harden!!!!

 The NBA trade deadline passed this week and the key trade we were all waiting for occurred. The Philadelphia 76ers traded Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond and 2 First round draft picks to the Brooklyn Nets for James Harden and Paul Milsap.

This is a trade that benefits both teams equally. The Sixers get the superstar they’ve been looking for to pair with Joel Embiid. They did this while keeping two very key players on Tyrese Maxey, and Matisse Thybulle . So the Sixers are geared up to make a run at a championship for the next two seasons. In addition they have Tobias who they can trade on the offseason for any assets they may think they are missing.

For the Nets they address 3 things they were missing. Seth Curry addresses the Nets need to add another sharp shooter with Joe Harris' return in doubt for this season. In addition Andre Drummond provides a big body who can rebound which the Nets lacked. Lastly Ben Simmons can serve as a clutch perimeter defender who guards the best player. Simmons also will be a great slasher for when Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant demand double teams. The Simmons pickup will also provide insurance just in case Irving decides to leave after this year, since he is under contract for 3 more years.

Overall this trade is a win win for both sides. It will be interesting to see how soon Ben Simmons is able to play and with the Nets vs Sixers on March 10th will he be making his return to Philly!!!

NBA Trade Deadline

 The NBA Trade deadline is this coming Thursday February 10th.

One of the most intriguing players that may be traded is Ben Simmons. The All Star hasn’t played for the Philadelphia 76ers this season due to his no longer wanting to be with the team. The Sixers have been adamant that they would only trade Simmons for a player they deemed top 30 in the NBA. This way they can get back compensation that would keep them as the championship contenders they were last season.

James Harden of the Brooklyn Nets looks as though he is willing to test Free Agency this upcoming off season. Harden is regarded as a top 20 player and was once again chosen as a NBA All Star this year. 

The Nets and Sixers will begin discussions of a trade revolving around Harden and Simmons if this can be done within the next 6 days then the landscape of the Eastern Conference will dramatically be changed. I believe that the Sixers likely won’t be able to get a deal done until the off season but I  hope they are able to get a deal done so Joel Embiid has more help come Playoff time.. 

In addition there are 5 teams and players I expect to be moved prior to the NBA Tradeline.

1. John Collins (Atlanta Hawks)

2. Sabonis or Myles Turner ( Indiana Pacers)

3. De’Aaron Fox ( Sacramento Kings)

4. Kemba Walker & Julius Randle (New York Knicks)

5. Jerami Grant (Detroit Pistons)