INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 05: James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball as Joel Embiid #21 trails in the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on April 05, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Dyl PHILADELPHIA - James Harden says he’s "ready to hoop."The Philadelphia 76ers sure hope The Beard is good to go — not just for the opening-round Eastern Conference series against Toronto — but for a deep run into June.That’s why Philly traded for him.But the early returns, well, they show the All-Star pairing with Joel Embiid is still going through some growing pains in the two months since Harden was traded.
Some of the numbers on the surface look pretty good: Harden is one of only seven players in 76ers history with eight games of at least 20 points and 10 assists.
He’s shooting a robust 89% from the free-throw line. And he’s made Philly forget all about Ben Simmons.Harden has been in a bit of a shooting malaise over the final month of the season.
He’s just 15 of 45 overall from the floor and 7 of 24 from 3-point range, not exactly numbers worthy of the 2018 NBA MVP. He hasn’t shown the explosiveness to the rim that he flashed in his prime, and Harden — surprisingly — has deferred more to his teammates than take games over as one of the great isolation scorers of his era.Maybe he’ll get going in Game 1 on Saturday in Philadelphia.If he’s feeling pressure headed into his first playoff series with Philly, Harden isn't showing it."Pressure?