Philadelphia 76ers: Biggest Questions For 2022-23

August 29, 2022

We continue our look at the biggest questions facing each team around the NBA, as we edge closer to training camp in about four weeks. Still in the Atlantic Division, today we examine the Philadelphia 76ers, who would seem to have had a nice offseason, getting James Harden to take a 'discount' on his new deal, and bringing in a few other pieces. 

A look now at the biggest questions for '22-'23, Sixer style.

Big Question #1: Which version of James Harden will we see?

The James Harden of 2021-22 looked at times tired, disinterested, and unable to get off his shot at the rim as in the past. The Harden of the previous nine All-Star seasons in Houston was one of the top scorers and distrubutors of this generation. One could argue the aesthetics of just how he got things done on occasion, and how exciting (or lack thereof) it was to watch him, but there was no doubting his incredible output (in the regular season, at least).

Last season, however, starting with his disinterest in Brooklyn, and into his performance for Philly, he just wasn't the same Harden. And his three-point percentage (33%) was the lowest of his career, by far. 

At age 33, can and will he be rejuvenated? To be the Harden of old? That is the big question.

Big Question #2: Did the Sixers answer their depth & toughness needs?

The answer here would seem to be a resounding 'yes.' But that all depends on 37-year-old PJ Tucker. As the Sixers' big offseason addition, they're counting heavily on Tucker to provide the perimeter defense, toughness, and forward depth they needed. Tucker signed a 3-year, $33M free agent deal. 

Other additions Danuel House Jr. and De'Anthony Melton would seem to fortify that depth. 

One other question to answer is whether all the rumors surrounding the possible trading of Tobias Harris and his hefty $37.6M salary will come to fruition. 

President of basketball operations Daryl Morey might not be done just yet, and could be looking to bring in another star.

Photos: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports, Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports



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