With the Philadelphia 76ers sitting at 29-16, they’re formally previous the midway level.
Philly has received 16 of their final 20 after going .500 by means of their first 24 video games.
Accidents have been one of many important elements that contributed to their gradual begin.
Joel Embiid missed 11 video games, James Harden missed 15 video games, and Tyrese Maxey missed 19 video games.
Per Spotrac, Tobias Harris, Joel Embiid, and James Harden are the three highest-paid gamers for Philadelphia.
Listed here are the first-half grades for Philly’s three largest investments.
Tobias Harris
It could be a shock to many to listen to that Tobias Harris is the highest-paid participant on the 76ers.
Harris is broadly thought of to be the fourth possibility on this Philadelphia roster, no matter what the cash says.
Whereas it’s unattainable to be price $37 million as a fourth possibility, Harris had a powerful first half of the season.
He has appeared in 40 contests, sustaining availability whereas his three co-stars missed time.
The counting stats don’t soar off the web page, however he has crammed the function requested of him.
Tobias Harris has been having an underneath the radar superb season. Sixers followers’ (together with myself) largest criticism about him was his gradual determination making on offense, killing the circulate by catching and holding the ball, and he is simply fully reversed that development this 12 months. https://t.co/gpXx25vNj9
— Daniel Olinger (@dan_olinger) January 11, 2023
Harris is pulling down 1.9 of his 5.1 three-point makes an attempt per recreation, each of that are excessive watermarks since becoming a member of the 76ers.
He’s contributing 16.4 factors per recreation on almost 60% true capturing whereas enjoying strong protection.
Harris has concurrently been a standout in his function whereas additionally not dwelling as much as his contract worth.
GRADE: B+
Joel Embiid
What extra may be stated about Joel Embiid at this level?
The 76ers famous person middle is averaging 33.6 factors per recreation on a career-best 64.4% true capturing.
This could be his second consecutive season averaging 30+ factors per recreation.
He’s additionally grabbing 9.8 rebounds per recreation and allotting 4.2 assists per recreation.
41 PTS | 9 REB | 3 AST | 2 BLK
have you ever voted @JoelEmbiid for All-🌟?
🗳 https://t.co/dy1hdG5RK7🎥 introduced by @palottery pic.twitter.com/ytGYIwSTUx
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) January 18, 2023
On prime of the large offensive workload, Embiid anchors the protection.
His +1.7 Defensive Estimated +/- per Dunks & Threes ranks within the 92nd percentile league-wide.
Embiid has been sensational for the 76ers as soon as once more this season.
GRADE: A+
James Harden
Final however not least is James Harden, the participant who would be the NBA assists chief as soon as he qualifies.
Harden made waves over the offseason when he took a considerable pay minimize to return to Philly.
Harden left $15 million on the desk to provide Daryl Morey extra avenues to enhance the roster.
After a questionable postseason run final season, Harden has been significantly better this season.
The 33-year-old guard is averaging 21.7 factors and 11.1 assists per recreation on 44.5% from the sphere and 38.2% from three.
His 7.3 three-point makes an attempt per recreation are his finest mark since his remaining full season in Houston.
Harden’s Offensive Estimated +/- is +5.1, good for the 98th percentile per Dunks & Threes.
James Harden This Season
22.3 PPG
11.2 APG
6.5 RPG
45/39/87 splits
61.3 TS% (similar degree as mvp harden)
Constructive defender.nonetheless in his prime simply lowered the amount and upped the playmaking with Embiid.🐐🐐 @JGMyGoat pic.twitter.com/qZaxoLHeRI
— max (@hardenand1) January 16, 2023
When paired with Embiid, they’re the league’s solely teammates to register Offensive Estimated +/-‘s larger than 5.0.
And the attention check confirms that.
Harden and Embiid proceed to develop their chemistry working the decide and roll.
Harden missed an excellent chunk of the season however has been productive thus far.
If solely his protection might catch up.
GRADE: A-
