5 offseason moves the Philadelphia 76ers have to make

5. Build around the “new” James Harden

The 76ers thought they were trading for a Houston Rockets James Harden that was just unhappy with his situation in Brooklyn. Everyone expected him to get in shape, get focused, and put his mind on winning a championship with a roster that theoretically could with the best version of Harden. Unfortunately, he is nothing like we remember him.

The 76ers can’t prepare for the old Harden to come back. It’s just not likely. They have to prepare for this Harden, and that could still work. With the 76ers, Harden was still averaging 21 points per game and 7 rebounds per game in the regular season. That’s still a fine player. In the playoffs, Harden’s numbers dropped to 18 and 6.

He shot 40 percent from the field, and he was missing so many shots it felt purposeful. It wasn’t. Harden was just dealing with a declining athleticism.

Harden needs to work harder this offseason than he’s ever worked. The jokes about Harden’s work ethic must turn into motivation. He can’t come into the preseason with a gut, he can’t have pictures of him eating chicken wings, and he has to spend every waking moment trying to find that “old” Harden. Meanwhile, the Sixers need to plan on making Harden a secondary figure when it comes to their master plan. Does that mean moving him to the bench? He might do better in that role. Who cares about the contract at this point. It is what it is. The Sixers just need to deal with the Harden they have in the building now.