Amid conflicting reports about the James Haraden trade situation, NBA legend Charles Barkley warned his former team (the Philadelphia 76ers) against trading their future to land the 8x All-Star.
“He’s the best 1-on-1 player I’ve ever seen. He’s not as good as Michael (Jordan) and Kobe (Bryant), but as far as being an offensive force, he’s the best I’ve ever seen.
But are you going to change your whole offense, and play him like Mike D’Antoni played him? The Sixers won’t be better with James Harden,” Barkley said during his appearance on The Mike Missanelli show on 97.5 The Fanatic.
Charles Barkley doesn’t want Sixers to trade for Rockets’ James Harden https://t.co/jKj4R4pKLQ
— Sixers Wire (@SixersWire) December 17, 2020
To say that a multiple-time All-Star and former NBA MVP would not make the Sixers better is certainly a bold statement. Despite Houstons’ shortcomings, they have enjoyed nearly a decade of relevance in the West thanks to Harden and his leadership.
In a new environment, alongside Joel Embiid, who is to say Harden and the Sixers wouldn’t thrive?
Still, it’s obvious that not everyone is convinced and Barkley is among those in a long line of folks who believe the Beard, with his attitude and playstyle, would not create a winning formula for Philly.
For Harden to prove his naysayers wrong, he’ll have to show up when it counts the most and lead his team — whichever team it is — to some real playoff success.
