Joel Embiid On Playing With Current Version of James Harden: ‘He’s More of a Playmaker’

The Philadelphia 76ers’ title hopes were ended after the Miami Heat outlasted the 76ers 99-90 to win Thursday’s Game 6 in Philly.

After James Harden finished the season-ending loss with 11 points, four rebounds, and nine assists, easily one of the worse performances of his playoff career, the talk amongst Philly fans will gravitate toward Harden and if the front office made the right decision in trading for him at the trade deadline.

When Joel Embiid was asked about Harden’s performance by reporters, he pointed out that this version of Harden isn’t The Beard at the peak of his powers.

“Obviously, I’m sure since we got him, everybody expected the Houston James Harden, Embiid said. “But that’s not who he is anymore. He’s more of a playmaker. I thought, at times, as with all of us, could’ve been more aggressive.”

Joel Embiid on James Harden: "Obviously, I'm sure since we got him, everybody expected the Houston James Harden, but that's not who he is anymore. He's more of a playmaker. I thought, at times, as with all of us, could've been more aggressive." pic.twitter.com/DGf7cXqfoH

— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) May 13, 2022

When Harden was at his best with the Rockets, Harden averaged 36.1 points per game at his peak, averaging 31.6 points per game during the 2019 playoffs. As a 76er, Harden averaged a playoff career-low 19.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game.

During his press conference, the 2018 MVP indicated that he wanted to stay with the 76ers and plans on being with the team next year.