Rich Hoffman Previews the Sixers Season
With all the stuff going on with the Phillies and Eagles, it is almost easy to forget that the Sixers’ season is starting too. They tip off the season tonight in Boston. And Rich Hoffman from The Athletic joined “The Best Show Ever?” to preview the Sixers’ upcoming season. What can we expect from James Harden? Will Tyrese Maxey take another step? Could this be the year they finally escape the 2nd round? See what Rich Hoffman had to say here.
On What to Expect From James Harden
“We have seen him in the preseason. I didn’t think he looked all that different from last season. He is more of a playmaker now. He is going to lean on Embiid and also Tyrese Maxey, who continues to get better as a scorer. I guess what I would look for is that once in a while when the Sixers need a bucket. Because I think they will win a lot of games with Harden’s playmaking, and his ability to set his teammates up. They are going to have probably the best offense they have had in a long time with all the 3pt shooting.
What I would like to see vs a team like Boston that can switch on defense, is whether can he get by these guys when they make him go 1 on 1. That is going to be important come playoff time. But that is not something we are going to need to see at all times. I think James Harden is pretty smart and is going to pace himself at the beginning of the season.”
On If Tyrese Maxey Could Get Even Better
“It is tough because he already made a gigantic one last year. It’s crazy how fast this has happened for him. Last year I was saying at this time that it was a lot of pressure on this kid. That said, it is hard not to raise expectations. You keep watching him, and he explodes in a bunch of games for big-scoring nights… I think he is probably going to be their second-leading scorer with the way Harden is more of a playmaker now.
I expect him to keep getting better. Kind of a remarkable story that he is the one player they drafted that actually got better at shooting. Everything I have seen from him, his work ethic, his ability to create his own shot, it looks very legitimate. As much pressure as this is putting on him, I think he is going to take another step up after taking a gigantic leap last year.”
You can listen to the full Rich Hoffman interview below…
