Once again, the Philadelphia 76ers have had a disappointing close to what seemed to be a promising season.
They finished third in the Eastern Conference and seemed to have their best chance yet of winning their first NBA championship since 1983, only to blow a 3-2 series lead in the second round of the playoffs to the Boston Celtics.
People have made many criticisms of the team as a result — Joel Embiid hasn’t played like the league’s MVP, James Harden is unreliable in big games, and Doc Rivers should perhaps be fired.
But perhaps the team’s biggest need is a closer.
Nick Wright of Fox Sports 1 says the Sixers should let Harden walk and do whatever it takes to get Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers.
“If I were the 76ers, I would let James Harden go. And I would put as many eggs as possible in the Damian Lillard basket — Maxey, Tobias, whatever picks you have.”
— @getnickwright explains: pic.twitter.com/O1RMUpJMEO
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) May 15, 2023
In Game 7 of the Boston series, both Embiid and Harden played poorly, and it is clear the Sixers need something to get over the hump.
They haven’t reached the Eastern Conference Finals since 2001 despite the presence of Embiid, who has gone from great to dominant over the last couple of years.
Lillard is a proven big-game player who loves to make big shots in the faces of opposing teams, and he is a very skilled guard who can bring stability to Philadelphia.
The problem is that he has been reluctant to leave Portland, even though Portland has failed to put a winning team around him over the years.
But if Lillard comes to his senses and asks out, Wright feels Philly can put together an attractive trade package centered around forward Tobias Harris and young stud Tyrese Maxey.
At least on paper, Lillard seems like the type of player who could put the Sixers over the top.
NEXT:
Chris Broussard Makes His Thoughts Clear About James Harden