2024 NBA Season

[OgNasty]

Harden will be 33 this August and after 2 years, he might be leaving his prime and his body will start to deteriorate and will be slower. If Harden is that desperate to win a title, he must do it in the upcoming season or next season or his chances to win will decrease. Harden's performance in the Sixers last season isn't the same as he is in Houston or even in Brooklyn. I hope that him and Embiid will be a good duo now that they have more time playing together and I hope both of them will not get any injuries because both of them are injury-prone.

The addition of Tucker is good actually because he is a good defensive player and a decent three-point shooter.

Harden has already been out of his prime for at least two seasons. In addition, his performance in the past playoffs was one of the worst in his career. By the way, it seemed to me Embiid was also disappointed in Harden, given that Joel said that Harden is no longer the same as he was in the Rockets. Anyway, it will still be interesting to see if Harden is able to improve his performance and win the first title next season or not.

I think everyone was disappointed by Harden's play last season, not just Embiid.  It's clear to see that his production has fallen off a cliff and he no longer has the athleticism to draw fouls on drives.  That is taking away from his ability to get defenders to fall for his moves and allow him to get open step back three point shots off.  Pairing him with a dominant big that can also space the floor like Embiid should get him a little more space to try and make shots, but I think if we're being honest, Harden's best attribute at this point is his playmaking ability.  I think he'll be a great addition to any team as a passer, but he'll never with a championship as the #1 scorer on a team.  Houston was his only chance at that.

[1714574556]

1714574556

[1714574556]

1714574556

[1714574556]

1714574556

[1714574556]

1714574556

[Yogee]

.....
It's clear to see that his production has fallen off a cliff and he no longer has the athleticism to draw fouls on drives.  That is taking away from his ability to get defenders to fall for his moves and allow him to get open step back three point shots off.

I'm not really sure if that's the case on his athleticism. Maybe he wouldn't change his playing style if the rule on foul baiting wasn't changed by the league last season. He was one of those guys getting a lot of free throws and criticized for drawing fouls by getting contact from defenders in an unnatural way after all. Refs don't call most of them now.

[jakelyson]

Harden has already been out of his prime for at least two seasons. In addition, his performance in the past playoffs was one of the worst in his career. By the way, it seemed to me Embiid was also disappointed in Harden, given that Joel said that Harden is no longer the same as he was in the Rockets. Anyway, it will still be interesting to see if Harden is able to improve his performance and win the first title next season or not.

He came from an injury and they had a very short time to play together and find chemistry for playoffs. It will be different this season because he now have time to get to work with Embiid and get that chemistry on court. And if he is really serious, Harden will work hard to get his body in shape to regain that athleticism back.

.....
It's clear to see that his production has fallen off a cliff and he no longer has the athleticism to draw fouls on drives.  That is taking away from his ability to get defenders to fall for his moves and allow him to get open step back three point shots off.

I'm not really sure if that's the case on his athleticism. Maybe he wouldn't change his playing style if the rule on foul baiting wasn't changed by the league last season. He was one of those guys getting a lot of free throws and criticized for drawing fouls by getting contact from defenders in an unnatural way after all. Refs don't call most of them now.

That is absolutely one factor. He is still adjusting to the new rule since he have been playing like that basically his whole career. But you cannot deny that he is out of shape too last season. A lot could change if he can get into shape.

[inthelongrun]

Center Deandre Ayton just re-signed with the Phoenix Suns for a $133 million 4-year contract. I can't believe the Suns earlier planned to let go of Ayton. They could've not played in the western finals this season and the finals itself last season without Ayton.   

In Philly. I really like James Harden sacrificing his contract in order to sign more players the 76ers badly needed. They got P.J. Tucker and Daniel House now, all of them former Rockets teammates and chemistry should not be hard to re-establish especially on Tucker. 

[TravelMug]

Center Deandre Ayton just re-signed with the Phoenix Suns for a $133 million 4-year contract. I can't believe the Suns earlier planned to let go of Ayton. They could've not played in the western finals this season and the finals itself last season without Ayton.   

Yeah, funny that they didn't give him that rookie contract when he was part of the team that bring them to the finals against the Bucks.

In Philly. I really like James Harden sacrificing his contract in order to sign more players the 76ers badly needed. They got P.J. Tucker and Daniel House now, all of them former Rockets teammates and chemistry should not be hard to re-establish especially on Tucker. 

Tucker could be a replacement for Danny Green's shooting outside specially in close game. And then his toughness together with House on the defensive side. I think it's a good pickup for the Sixers as they need to improve their defense against a good team in the East.

[LogitechMouse]

Harden will be 33 this August and after 2 years, he might be leaving his prime and his body will start to deteriorate and will be slower. If Harden is that desperate to win a title, he must do it in the upcoming season or next season or his chances to win will decrease. Harden's performance in the Sixers last season isn't the same as he is in Houston or even in Brooklyn. I hope that him and Embiid will be a good duo now that they have more time playing together and I hope both of them will not get any injuries because both of them are injury-prone.

The addition of Tucker is good actually because he is a good defensive player and a decent three-point shooter.

Harden has already been out of his prime for at least two seasons. In addition, his performance in the past playoffs was one of the worst in his career. By the way, it seemed to me Embiid was also disappointed in Harden, given that Joel said that Harden is no longer the same as he was in the Rockets. Anyway, it will still be interesting to see if Harden is able to improve his performance and win the first title next season or not.

If only Westbrook played a very good season last season, Harden might be the center of criticisms right now and not him.

I agree that Harden wasn't the same as he is in the Rockets in his last 2 teams maybe because he isn't the first option offensively in both of them. In Nets, the first option in scoring is Durant and in Sixers, it's Embiid and that might affect his whole performance.

I don't know but I still believe that Harden can still put up the numbers he is getting when he is in Houston or might be a bit lesser but nevertheless, I also believe that the time they spent last season and this off-season is enough to make some adjustments and will make some improvements.

[Yaunfitda]

^^ I just Harden understand now that he can't be just the James that used to play as a Rocket with the Sixers. He needs to adjust him game, he can still get good numbers and production, but we should focus more on how he is going to help his team positively and let Joel lead and him as the second best option. And he should move away from his Nets performance. Brooklyn is now disbanding as well with Kryie and KD might be leaving soon. So Harden is now a Sixers and make it point as his priority to contribute and not choke as he usually does.

[Hypnosis00]

Brooklyn is now disbanding as well with Kryie and KD might be leaving soon.

There's no reason for the management to keep them as they are already demanding a trade.
However, it's still the management's decision if they will let go of them or just wait until they can find a great trade opportunity.

So Harden is now a Sixers and make it point as his priority to contribute and not choke as he usually does.

LOL, he is a choker but he is still a great player, chemistry is the most important for the Sixers as they have already MVP players like Harden and Embiid.

[danherbias07]

"I did it, and I was an All-Star this year and [a] champion, so that was the good part, just not missing out on the year, the best year of my career," Wiggins said, via FanSided. "But for my body, I just don't like putting all that stuff in my body, so I didn't like that and I didn't like that it wasn't my choice. I didn't like that it was either get this or don't play."

https://sports.yahoo.com/golden-state-warriors-andrew-wiggins-after-winning-nba-title-wishes-he-didnt-get-vaccinated-for-covid19-coronavirus-222129079.html
Oh, c'mon Wiggins. You won a ring because you got vaccinated. Just take it, no regrets.
He is more known now because of that decision and he better just embrace it.
There are other things to talk about, why should it be about the vaccine that he took which made him a big star again. Look at Kyrie, if only he took the vaccine then the Nets might have been in a better position last season and these trade rumors won't even happen.

[Baofeng]

This could be his last chance to win a ring, wth the Sixers. Still build around Joel, but Harden could be the missing pieces that they needed. They just feel short last playoff, but you can't blame Harden totally. Now that we will be healthy (hopefully, no hamstring injuries), then we will see how he really wanted to win and push himself and be the number 2 guy in this team.

I'm not sure, but If the Sixers won't make it this upcoming season I doubt if they could ever really make it. I mean they actually have a pretty good roster. They have Harris and 3 young talents Maxey, Thybulle, and Melton.
This team should be on the ECF or even the Finals. They fell short last playoffs and it is a must for them to bounce back this season. They've got Tucker which would be a good addition for their defense with Thybulle.

Totally disappointed with Harris performance though, if there is one Sixers that I think that should need to go, it will be him. But in any case, everything now is on Harden's shoulder for the next season. He did sacrifice a lot of money to get some of his former team mates from the Houston to help him out. So it should be good as there will be no adjustments to be made from him as Tucker can play any position in defense. Remember the days with Mike D'Antoni wherein Tucker playing against legitimate centers because they choose to go small that time.

[YuginKadoya]

Looks like this time he really meant to win a championship because he thinks he finally land on a good team where he can actualize his effective gameplay. no competition whatsoever because only him and the big man Embiid. The guy has a chance if he can really manage to fit in the team but most of the time their chemistry is the problem. Now that he found a perfect team for his criteria, only destiny can stop him reaching his dream to be an NBA champion.

Joel Embiid is a great cut for James Harden offensive on the paint for Embiid while James Harden will carry on with the ball handling, outside shots, and capitalizing with assists, and with good teammates on the defensive side I think the Philadelphia 76ers will manage to come up with an incredible play utilizing Harden's Aggressiveness,

Harden has already been out of his prime for at least two seasons. In addition, his performance in the past playoffs was one of the worst in his career. By the way, it seemed to me Embiid was also disappointed in Harden, given that Joel said that Harden is no longer the same as he was in the Rockets. Anyway, it will still be interesting to see if Harden is able to improve his performance and win the first title next season or not.

I think he is desperate right now to cut his salary, to be shared with the other players I think he has a plan and really wants to win this, maybe this season we will see a fit James Harden for a change, but this is me on my wishful thinking on what can happen, but who knows, I know Harden can cut all of his fats in just a couple of months, and even though Joel Embiid doesn't like him, we need to wait and see if he transformed himself up to be ready next season or not,

I'm not really sure if that's the case on his athleticism. Maybe he wouldn't change his playing style if the rule on foul baiting wasn't changed by the league last season. He was one of those guys getting a lot of free throws and criticized for drawing fouls by getting contact from defenders in an unnatural way after all. Refs don't call most of them now.

he can sure rely on his teammates now, in getting on the ball, right now I think Joel Embiid is a likely good partner for him and if the Philadelphia 76ers can get a player that has potential and is likely to fill out the chemistry of the team, then I think Philadelphia 76ers will become a brand new team, yes Harden has a rough time during the last season, but I have seen even though it is not consistent he likely to score more than 30 plus points, I think he can get back in his usual scoring but not in his usual play, he can surely play smartly just like Luka Doncic but not as slick like Luka because Harden is not really like him,

[Yogee]

.... I can't believe the Suns earlier planned to let go of Ayton.

It's all part of negotiations in business. I read that Ayton was eligible for a $179 million contract and it's safe to say his agent pushed for that figure. The Suns were patient enough and explored other options until the $133 Million offer from Pacers. Ayton and his agent probably realized they couldn't squeeze more so they just settled with that amount. Suns management played their card well and got him at a cheaper price.

[rhomelmabini]

.... I can't believe the Suns earlier planned to let go of Ayton.

It's all part of negotiations in business. I read that Ayton was eligible for a $179 million contract and it's safe to say his agent pushed for that figure. The Suns were patient enough and explored other options until the $133 Million offer from Pacers. Ayton and his agent probably realized they couldn't squeeze more so they just settled with that amount. Suns management played their card well and got him at a cheaper price.

I think the agent just wants that opportunity of a lifetime or Ayton and to part ways isn't that bad all the time on both parties. Good thing that they got him, maybe Ayton love already the vibes on the Sun and he's been with them for years already so a $40 millions lower isn't huge for him compare to what he learnt throughout the organization.

[btc_angela]

.... I can't believe the Suns earlier planned to let go of Ayton.

It's all part of negotiations in business. I read that Ayton was eligible for a $179 million contract and it's safe to say his agent pushed for that figure. The Suns were patient enough and explored other options until the $133 Million offer from Pacers. Ayton and his agent probably realized they couldn't squeeze more so they just settled with that amount. Suns management played their card well and got him at a cheaper price.

Yeah, but still it doesn't make sense. I mean we could clearly see that it has affected Ayton's performance last year to the point that he has to be bench in the decisive game 7. And just one year ago, you can see that he really made it almost to the top if not for his inexperience playing against the athletic and freak Giannis. So $133 m is a lot of money and he has to thank the Pacers for that offer, because now the Suns know that Ayton is worth keeping for and hopefully his relationship is not tainted with the managements and the coaching staff.

[Natalim]

.... I can't believe the Suns earlier planned to let go of Ayton.

It's all part of negotiations in business. I read that Ayton was eligible for a $179 million contract and it's safe to say his agent pushed for that figure. The Suns were patient enough and explored other options until the $133 Million offer from Pacers. Ayton and his agent probably realized they couldn't squeeze more so they just settled with that amount. Suns management played their card well and got him at a cheaper price.

Yeah, but still it doesn't make sense. I mean we could clearly see that it has affected Ayton's performance last year to the point that he has to be bench in the decisive game 7. And just one year ago, you can see that he really made it almost to the top if not for his inexperience playing against the athletic and freak Giannis. So $133 m is a lot of money and he has to thank the Pacers for that offer, because now the Suns know that Ayton is worth keeping for and hopefully his relationship is not tainted with the managements and the coaching staff.

As long as he stays with the team, he needs to fix that relationship if there's already a problem. He has to be professional and give the expectation of the management, he is still young, there's still a bright future ahead of him, so who knows maybe he get max when he renew.

[Yogee]

.... I can't believe the Suns earlier planned to let go of Ayton.

It's all part of negotiations in business. I read that Ayton was eligible for a $179 million contract and it's safe to say his agent pushed for that figure. The Suns were patient enough and explored other options until the $133 Million offer from Pacers. Ayton and his agent probably realized they couldn't squeeze more so they just settled with that amount. Suns management played their card well and got him at a cheaper price.

Yeah, but still it doesn't make sense. I mean we could clearly see that it has affected Ayton's performance last year to the point that he has to be bench in the decisive game 7. And just one year ago, you can see that he really made it almost to the top if not for his inexperience playing against the athletic and freak Giannis.

It all makes sense to me. Don't put it on the team why Ayton's performance declined. Blame it on the player since  he was still under contract and he's expected to perform. He's become unprofessional if what you're saying is true.

Suns still finds him valuable for now but I won't be surprised if he becomes another trading piece in the next offseason.

So $133 m is a lot of money and he has to thank the Pacers for that offer, because now the Suns know that Ayton is worth keeping for and hopefully his relationship is not tainted with the managements and the coaching staff.

He appreciates the new contract in his interview after the signing. He now understands that NBA is also a business.

[carlisle1]

.... I can't believe the Suns earlier planned to let go of Ayton.

It's all part of negotiations in business. I read that Ayton was eligible for a $179 million contract and it's safe to say his agent pushed for that figure. The Suns were patient enough and explored other options until the $133 Million offer from Pacers. Ayton and his agent probably realized they couldn't squeeze more so they just settled with that amount. Suns management played their card well and got him at a cheaper price.

Yeah, but still it doesn't make sense. I mean we could clearly see that it has affected Ayton's performance last year to the point that he has to be bench in the decisive game 7. And just one year ago, you can see that he really made it almost to the top if not for his inexperience playing against the athletic and freak Giannis. So $133 m is a lot of money and he has to thank the Pacers for that offer, because now the Suns know that Ayton is worth keeping for and hopefully his relationship is not tainted with the managements and the coaching staff.

As long as he stays with the team, he needs to fix that relationship if there's already a problem. He has to be professional and give the expectation of the management, he is still young, there's still a bright future ahead of him, so who knows maybe he get max when he renew.

Time to prove that he  worth that contract, for sure the demand coming from the fans force the management to keep him.

I mean the negotiations regarding to trades are all over the internet and most around social media channels, fans are the big

influencer as sales of merchandize and the ticket  will be affected if the management will not listen to them, and yes it's a business

Ayton and his camp just take the advantage of the situation to maximize his value.

[Natalim]

.... I can't believe the Suns earlier planned to let go of Ayton.

It's all part of negotiations in business. I read that Ayton was eligible for a $179 million contract and it's safe to say his agent pushed for that figure. The Suns were patient enough and explored other options until the $133 Million offer from Pacers. Ayton and his agent probably realized they couldn't squeeze more so they just settled with that amount. Suns management played their card well and got him at a cheaper price.

Yeah, but still it doesn't make sense. I mean we could clearly see that it has affected Ayton's performance last year to the point that he has to be bench in the decisive game 7. And just one year ago, you can see that he really made it almost to the top if not for his inexperience playing against the athletic and freak Giannis. So $133 m is a lot of money and he has to thank the Pacers for that offer, because now the Suns know that Ayton is worth keeping for and hopefully his relationship is not tainted with the managements and the coaching staff.

As long as he stays with the team, he needs to fix that relationship if there's already a problem. He has to be professional and give the expectation of the management, he is still young, there's still a bright future ahead of him, so who knows maybe he get max when he renew.

Time to prove that he  worth that contract, for sure the demand coming from the fans force the management to keep him.

I mean the negotiations regarding to trades are all over the internet and most around social media channels, fans are the big

influencer as sales of merchandize and the ticket  will be affected if the management will not listen to them, and yes it's a business

Ayton and his camp just take the advantage of the situation to maximize his value.

Even before this big contract, Ayton had already proven his worth to the team, so I guess there's nothing to prove more, he just have to continue playing hard and must be healthy so he could help his team all the time.

[Jating]

.... I can't believe the Suns earlier planned to let go of Ayton.

It's all part of negotiations in business. I read that Ayton was eligible for a $179 million contract and it's safe to say his agent pushed for that figure. The Suns were patient enough and explored other options until the $133 Million offer from Pacers. Ayton and his agent probably realized they couldn't squeeze more so they just settled with that amount. Suns management played their card well and got him at a cheaper price.

Yeah, but still it doesn't make sense. I mean we could clearly see that it has affected Ayton's performance last year to the point that he has to be bench in the decisive game 7. And just one year ago, you can see that he really made it almost to the top if not for his inexperience playing against the athletic and freak Giannis. So $133 m is a lot of money and he has to thank the Pacers for that offer, because now the Suns know that Ayton is worth keeping for and hopefully his relationship is not tainted with the managements and the coaching staff.

As long as he stays with the team, he needs to fix that relationship if there's already a problem. He has to be professional and give the expectation of the management, he is still young, there's still a bright future ahead of him, so who knows maybe he get max when he renew.

Time to prove that he  worth that contract, for sure the demand coming from the fans force the management to keep him.

I mean the negotiations regarding to trades are all over the internet and most around social media channels, fans are the big

influencer as sales of merchandize and the ticket  will be affected if the management will not listen to them, and yes it's a business

Ayton and his camp just take the advantage of the situation to maximize his value.

Even before this big contract, Ayton had already proven his worth to the team, so I guess there's nothing to prove more, he just have to continue playing hard and must be healthy so he could help his team all the time.

Yes, but the Phoenix is not yet sold right? that's why he wasn't offered a big payday 2 years ago.

And we are just confused because we all know that he has proven his worth with the Suns average almost 20 points and 10 rebounds if I'm mistaken. And as others have said, it takes an offer from Pacers to realized how big Ayton is for them and in NBA in general as the Pacers are willing to give him that big amount of money.

[jakelyson]

.... I can't believe the Suns earlier planned to let go of Ayton.

It's all part of negotiations in business. I read that Ayton was eligible for a $179 million contract and it's safe to say his agent pushed for that figure. The Suns were patient enough and explored other options until the $133 Million offer from Pacers. Ayton and his agent probably realized they couldn't squeeze more so they just settled with that amount. Suns management played their card well and got him at a cheaper price.

That is actually a good angle. I think no one thought of that here since most are focused on the intention of the suns to make Ayton a trading piece for Durant. That is quite a good move for the Suns management to think that far.

It all makes sense to me. Don't put it on the team why Ayton's performance declined. Blame it on the player since  he was still under contract and he's expected to perform. He's become unprofessional if what you're saying is true.

They benched him though in the third quarter of Game 7. It is an important game and you bench your best center, that  means something. Hopefully, they sort this out next season.

Suns still finds him valuable for now but I won't be surprised if he becomes another trading piece in the next offseason.

It will depend on his performance this season. But if I am Ayton, I would perform well and try to get a championship. Getting a ring will prove that he is valuable. And he can use that in the future to make a better deal when he goes free agency.

Even before this big contract, Ayton had already proven his worth to the team, so I guess there's nothing to prove more, he just have to continue playing hard and must be healthy so he could help his team all the time.

They have not gotten a ring yet. Until that, he has a lot to prove and he needs to improve more to help the team get that.