The Philadelphia 76ers have been doing solid work lately and have climbed to third place in the East with a 38-16 record.
That means they are just behind the second-place Milwaukee Bucks and could overtake them if their three-game winning streak continues.
This is obviously terrific news for the loyal followers of the team, who were fearful that this season would end like the last: good, not great, and not close to the NBA Finals.
James Harden on where this year’s 76ers team ranks to other teams he’s been on:
“Top, for sure. We had some really good teams in Oklahoma City, then that ‘18 team in Houston. But this team is definitely the best chance I’ve had to win.”
(via @ramonashelburne) pic.twitter.com/LKeG77Fti7
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 19, 2023
James Harden believes that his team can go all the way.
When speaking with Ramona Shelburne, Harden went as far as to say that he believes this team is better positioned than any other he’s been on to win it all.
“We had some really good teams in Oklahoma City, then that ‘18 team in Houston. But this team is definitely the best chance I’ve had to win,” Harden said.
Praise For Philadelphia
It’s surprising – and encouraging – to hear Harden state this.
It’s surprising because he has been to the Finals before when he, Kevin Durant, and Russell Westbrook were taken down by LeBron James and the Miami Heat during the 2011-12 season.
But Harden thinks this team is better than that one.
He also believes this squad is superior to the ones he played with in Houston and definitely the one he played with in Brooklyn.
Is Harden just blowing smoke and trying to fire up his team or does he really feel they could go all the way?
The pieces are definitely there for Philadelphia, with guys like Tobias Harris, Tyrese Maxey, and, of course, Joel Embiid alongside Harden.
But they have had great stars over the last few years and still came up short.
Harden might be sure that this is his best team yet but will it be his most successful?
