Zach and ESPN's Bobby Marks discuss the many layers of the Clippers trade for James Harden, analyzing the terms of the trade, the implications for the teams involved, and the chances of the Sixers in the East.
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Quick takeaways
The addition of James Harden to the Los Angeles Clippers' lineup enhances their regular season competitiveness, but their playoff success is uncertain due to injury concerns and the need for team cohesiveness.
Despite losing James Harden, the Philadelphia 76ers still have a strong starting five and improved bench depth, positioning them as a top team in the Eastern Conference with flexibility for future trades.
While the Philadelphia 76ers may not be on the same level as the Boston Celtics or Milwaukee Bucks, they are in a good position to compete in the Eastern Conference, especially considering the underperformance of other top teams like the Brooklyn Nets and Miami Heat.
Deep dives
The Clippers' Big Swing with James Harden
The Los Angeles Clippers made a significant move by acquiring James Harden. They now have an impressive lineup consisting of Harden, Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Terance Mann, and Ivica Zubac. The addition of Harden gives the team a dynamic playmaker and allows them to compete at a high level in the regular season. However, their ultimate success in the playoffs remains uncertain due to injury concerns and the need for cohesiveness among their star players.
The Sixers' Solid Position
The Philadelphia 76ers find themselves in a good position after the recent trade. Despite losing James Harden, they still have a strong starting five with Tyrese Maxey, Seth Curry, Tobias Harris, Robert Covington, and Joel Embiid. They are currently a top three team in the Eastern Conference and have improved their bench depth with the addition of PJ Tucker and Nick Batum. The Sixers now have valuable draft assets and expiring contracts, giving them flexibility for potential trades in the future.
The Competitive Landscape in the East
The Sixers' current roster places them among the top teams in the Eastern Conference. While they may not be on the same level as the Boston Celtics or Milwaukee Bucks, they are in a solid position to compete. Other teams in the East, such as the Brooklyn Nets, Miami Heat, and Toronto Raptors, have not shown their best form yet this season. With their strong lineup and potential for future moves, the Sixers are in a good spot to continue their success in the conference.
Can the Clippers Win the Championship?
The speaker raises doubts about the Clippers' ability to win the championship. Comparing their roster and playoff performance with other teams like the Denver Nuggets, the speaker believes that the Clippers may not be in the same class as the top contenders. The potential challenges of integrating new players like James Harden and managing ball-handling duties among star players are discussed. The speaker emphasizes the need for the Clippers to figure out their matchups and offensive strategies when facing elite teams.
Potential Trade Targets for the Philadelphia 76ers
The speaker discusses potential trade targets for the Philadelphia 76ers, considering their cap space and roster needs. Names like OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam, Jeremy Grant, and Zach Lavine are mentioned as possible trade targets. The speaker also explores the idea of acquiring a smaller player like Alec Burks for added shooting off the bench. The importance of finding the right trade deals and utilizing available cap space is emphasized, while acknowledging that trades depend on various factors like team performance and player availability.