Are We Witnessing The Greatest Trade Deadline Move Ever?

Wallace to the Pistons in 2004. Mutumbo to the Sixers in 2001. Gasol to Hollywood in ’08. Drexler to the Rockets in 1995. What do all of these moves have in common? They were all monumental and seismic-level trades at the trade deadline.

I was not a fan of the James Harden trade. James Harden would be sluggish and apathetic, I figured. Without Seth Curry, the floor spacing would be wonky. Don’t even get me started on the defense. While most people gazed at the star power, I tried to take the logical route.

Instead, after four games, I’m here questioning whether or not it could become the best trade deadline move ever. Oh, how the turntables have turned. In the spirit of eating my words, let’s watch how historically good the James Harden-76ers have been thus far.

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By The Numbers

The 76ers are 4-0 in the James Harden era. They didn’t have him last night against the Heat and got smoked. So, it’s no stretch of the imagination to say the Sixers are better with the Beard. How good, you may ask?

Allow me to show you offensive numbers to make you drool like that dog from Ferris Bueler’s Day Off.

76ers With James Harden	Rank
126.2 Offensive Rating	1st
17.2 Net Rating	2nd
126.5 PPG	1st
51.6 Field Goal %	1st
31.5 FTM and 36.4 FTA	Both 1st
+68 plus/minus	2nd

With James Harden, the 76ers have been putting up ungodly offensive numbers. They are drawing nearly 25 free throws per game. So, not only are they a bitch to guard without fouling, they’re hitting shots with extreme efficiency. Their offense is a double-edged sword worthy enough for Aragorn.

It doesn’t matter that Tobias Harris stands around on offense. The trio of Maxey, Harden, and Embiid has been going nuclear. Maxey is benefiting from Harden taking over the ball-handling duties. Now that he can focus on scoring, his game has taken the next step.

Joel Embiid doesn’t have to score 40 points for the 76ers to win anymore, which is fine. He’s still unstoppable out of the low post. His foul-baiting skills are second to none – except for maybe his teammate.

With Harden, the 76ers offense has reached new heights. The trio of Harden, Maxey, and Embiid has a 136.1 offensive rating together. It would be an understatement to say that Harden has transformed this offense.

There’s one player in particular – Tyrese Maxey – who I want to highlight.

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Tyrese Maxey

ben·e·fi·ci·ar·y/ˌbenəˈfiSHēˌerē

1. a person who derives advantage from something

Tyrese Maxey is on his hands and knees, thanking Daryl Morey for making this trade. The backcourt tandem of Maxey + Harden is working wonders. When those two are on the floor, the dynamic is simple. Harden dribbles, and Maxey scores. It’s mind-blowing stuff, I know.

Since the Harden trade, the 2020 first-rounder has been doing this;

26.8 points / 65% FG / 70% 3-PT / 5.5 FTA

These numbers need some explaining.

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Fewer, But More Effective Drives

Without Ben Simmons, Tyrese Maxey had the ball in his hands more. That’s why he went from averaging 5.8 drives per game last year to 9.3 this year. With Harden, those driving numbers have changed.

Maxey Drives Without Harden	Maxey Drives With Harden
9.5 drives per game	6.8 drives per game
49.2% FG on 6.3 FGA	63% FG on 4.8 FGA
7.6 points	8.0 points
0.6 fouls drawn	1.0 fouls drawn

Maxey is averaging more points from drives despite driving less with Harden. That’s not just fascinating to me, right? When Harden swings the ball to Maxey, he’s attacking a defense that isn’t fully set. His lightning-quick first step is being better utilized.

One final thing to chew on;
Maxey points in the paint without Harden: 7.8
Maxey points in the paint with Harden: 9.5

I digress.

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Lights Out Shooting

Tyrese Maxey did not come into the NBA as a knockdown shooter. He’s turned his shooting around this season, to the tune of 42% shooting from downtown. But, with Harden, Maxey is shooting an other-worldly 70% from outside on five attempts per game! WHAT!

With Harden, Maxey is shooting a ridiculous 67% on catch-and-shoot opportunities. Compare that to his 39% clip on such shots before Harden arrived, and you’re seeing how transformative Harden has been for the youngster.

Maxey is also shooting 75% on pull-up threes with Harden. He’s gone from averaging 5.0 pull-up points per game to 8.0 with Harden.

ben·e·fi·ci·ar·y/ˌbenəˈfiSHēˌerē

1. a person who derives advantage from something

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Conclusion

Maxey has become the perfect third option for the 76ers. Tobias Harris and his bloated contract have become an afterthought thanks to Tyrese. Harden is allowing him to be a shooting guard more, something he couldn’t do when Seth Curry was alongside him.

Everything about Maxey’s game is better with James Harden. If you want to look at the biggest benefactor from that trade, you’re looking at him.

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By The Eyes

Enough with those boring numbers. Let’s see this trio in action and just how dominant they’ve been. For the purpose of conciseness, we’ll be looking at their latest game against the Cavaliers. Don’t worry, there’s still plenty to talk about from this one game.

So, sit back, relax, and enjoy some offensive mastery.

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The Cavs threw their two best frontcourt defenders; Allen + Mobley – at Embiid. It did nothing to disrupt that picture-perfect fadeaway.

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Embiid can do this? Since when?

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*Refer to catch-and-shoot shooting stats for Maxey*

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*Refer to the driving table for Maxey*

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There is so much going on in this play. The handoff between Harden and Maxey is already enough strain on the Cavs’ defense. To go from that straight into a pick-and-roll with Embiid is devastating. Good luck to anybody trying to stop that.

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Harden as a screener in the pick-and-roll? I’ve got to see them run this more often.

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Is This Move On Pace For Greatness?

You’ve seen the Harden-led 76ers by the numbers and with your own eyes. Through their first four games together, it’s clear the 76ers made the right move. Morey’s patience has led to another offense that has enough weapons to make any opposing defense cower in fear.

Remember those trades I listed at the start of this blog? Those are some of the best trade deadline moves ever. The 76ers traded for Mutumbo and made it to the NBA Finals. Pau Gasol helped the Lakers reach the Finals in 2008, then win back-to-back titles in the following seasons.

If we’re talking about the best trade deadline moves, the ones that immediately led to championships, you’re looking at 2004 Wallace to the Pistons and 1995 Drexler to the Rockets. If the 76ers want to earn that title, they have to win a championship.

The fact that we’re even talking about this trade earning that title is crazy. I was a huge proponent that this trade was a bad idea for Philly. Instead, their championship odds have skyrocketed. The East is relatively wide-open at the moment.

With some momentum, continued offensive brilliance, and some luck, the James Harden trade has a chance to become the greatest trade deadline move ever.

Or I could be right all along, and this team burns in the playoffs. I’m ok with either outcome.

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Is This Trade Shaping Up To Be The Best Trade Deadline Move Ever? Leave A Comment Down Below!

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