Just days after the Brooklyn Nets finalized their trade for James Harden, Charles Barkley responded by naming the Philadelphia 76ers the favorites in the East.
In a statement on “Inside The NBA,” the TNT host spoke boldly on his new prediction.
“The big winner in the sweepstakes with James Harden, I’m going out on a limb right now, OK, the big winner. The Philadelphia 76ers. I think it’s going to ease the tension around Ben Simmons. I think the Sixers now are going to be my favorite in the Eastern Conference,” Barkley said, via Sixers Wire.
https://twitter.com/NBAonTNT/status/1349959140202803201
The Sixers’ apparent unwillingness to include Ben Simmons in a trade has really boosted his confidence in the organization. If he can start improving his game, he and Embiid have the chance to make some real noise in the Eastern Conference.
With chemistry and sanity on their side, Philly seems to be in a pretty good position going forward.
As for the Nets, many questions remain about whether Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden can fit together on one team, with one ball. Already, Uncle Drew has made things pretty difficult for his club and his coach.
Sill those distractions help set up other teams, like the Sixers for a breakout season? We’ll find out soon enough…
