No one really had much expectations for the Sixers coming into this season. Between the James Harden drama, and yet another 2nd round exit, the Sixers’ mood around Philadelphia was the lowest it has been since the start of the Process. But then the season started, and things actually looked good. New Head Coach Nick Nurse has the Sixers running like a well-oiled machine. And after a few games, Daryl Morey finally traded away James Harden, getting back some role players, and more importantly, 2 first-round picks they can eventually use to acquire another star.
Suddenly, large parts of the fan base are back on board. It’s early, but the good play and the fun new look has people enjoying the Sixers again. They are 4-1, with most recently a win over the Suns. 4 guys are averaging at least 20 points. Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Tobias Harris, and offseason addition Kelly Oubre Jr. The ball is moving more than it ever did under previous regimes. Nurse has them playing tough defense, and they are just a fun team to watch right now.
Are they good enough to compete for a Ring? It is too soon to tell. If Maxey continues his rise to Super Stardom maybe so. But most still believe they are missing another piece. A move that would probably have to wait a couple of months until they are able to trade some of the players they just acquired.
So to get the scoop on the Harden trade, Nick Nurse, and the Sixers’ hot start, Andrew Salciunas talked to Sixers President Daryl Morey. What moves are still to come? Why have the Sixers looked so good out of the gate? How did the Harden trade come to be? Morey talked about all of that and more.