76ers Acquire James Harden | Instant Reaction

the conversation. Click on our icons, send us a DM and we can't wait to chat with you today. The Sixers acquiring James Harden and Paul Millsap from the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, Ben Simmons, twenty twenty two first round pick and a twenty twenty seven first round pick. But plenty to get into, Lauren, this should be a really fun one. Seven time All NBA selection James Harden and four time NBA All Star

Paul Millsath now seventy six ers. Unbelievable morning, Good morning everybody, Thank you for joining six or Twitter faces, I see a lot of familiar features. Faces. Thank for being here new basis welcome for are a family. We love having you here. Let's get into it. I guess Matt you mentioned it. The trade goes down yesterday, the first day February tenth, a day that we'll live on in Sixers history,

to be sure. And of course, right off the top, we got to thank Seth Curry Andrew Drummond Bensiman to wish them the best of luck at their next stop that's not too far away, so hopefully we'll see some battles in the future. Not hopefully, I think we're sure to see some battles in the future. But of course thanks to those guys. Best of luck to those guys, and I think we should get right into the main question. You guys have sent me about one hundred questions already,

which is awesome, thank you so much. Eighty of them revolve around mister James Harden. About eighty I'd say, I'd say four out of five revolve around James Harden. So Matt, you and I talked about it, but let's like, let's sort of run through James's history a little bit here. Those of you who already know this stuff, I'm sorry that it's redundant, but I think it serves us all

to really really know our man. So James Harden an MVP, ten time All Star, seven time All NBA selection, three times scoring champ, one time NBA assist Champ, an underrated part of his game that we will certainly get to. James Harden is the newest seventy six er. He was born in Los Angeles, California. He played for two years at Arizona State. He was drafted by the Oklahoma City

Thunder third overall in two thousand and nine. He played in seventy six games as a rookie, nine point nine points, three point two rebounds, one point eight assists in twenty two point nine minutes per game in his first rookie season, in which he was named to the twenty two thousand and nine two thousand and ten Wow, we haven't said years like that in a while two thousand and nine, two thousand and ten All Rookie Second Team. He stays

there for three years. He won the sixth Man Award in twenty eleven twelve, and then joins the Houston Rockets, and that's sort of where James Harden really became the James Harden that we all know. He spent parts of his next nine seasons in Houston. He was an All Star in all nine seasons. He's a ten time All Star now in ten consecutive seasons. That's the second longest active streak in the NBA. In terms of All Star selections. He trails only Lebron James there, Matt, I think we

can dive a little deeper into his Houston tenure. But I'm curious what your memories have been watching James Harden. You're a lifelong NBA fan, those of you who don't know. I'm from Houston, so as I was watching Rockets games in high school, James Harden was my guy. I watched

him in college. I remember some serious battles in the Western Conference playoffs, of which he was the head of the snake for those Houston Rockets teams that, by the way, took the Warriors the one of the greatest NBA teams ever assembled, as far as any team did, and that's thanks to James Harden. So a lot of good things to talk about when it comes to James's career, and Matt, I'm curious what you remember, and every time I'm not before you, before you tell me, Matt, I want to

hear how you feel about this. When I say James Harden's name on a Sixer's Twitter space, it feels surreal, like this doesn't feel normal to me. This doesn't feel like something that not necessarily that I never expected. But it's so interesting to have the name of an MVP on my tongue, coming to join another potential MVP, the MVP frontrunner together. So we gotta talk about James. We got to talk about his pairing with Joel. I see

all your questions about lineups. This is amazing. Keep them coming. But Matt, let's start with your reaction. What do you remember about James Harden, your initial impressions of James Harden as a fan, as someone in the NBA. How are you feeling. I'm feeling great. I think I'm feeling like the entire Sixers fan base. What an exciting time for the organization, Lauren Rosen, James Harden, when you talk about what we've seen over the years, you run through the accolades.

There are so many things to get into, so many things to highlight. Darryl Moorey, when he tweeted his welcome address to James Harden, which is, in his style, a YouTube blink whenever the Sixers acquire a new player officially, and last night the top thirty plays in the history of James Harden's career. Not sure what year the video was released, but it had a bunch of big time Harden highlights on there. And I can't get enough of the step back threes, whether he's between the legs, behind

the back dropping players left and right. That player is coming to Philadelphia to be a teammate of Joel Embiid and the rest of the seventy sixers. It is amazing. The highlights are so much fun to watch. That's what sticks with me. So many guys hitting the floor on moves that James Harden has made throughout his career. Also the passing. Some incredible passes mixed in those highlights as well. This season James Harden ten point two assists per game,

second in the NBA. So the dribble moves, end, the passing, and some of his career highlights on YouTube. It is can't get enough of it right now. Hey, it's Joe Conklin, joined me for Conklin's comedy United Parks Casino. The number one Casino in Pennsylvania and the official local casino partner. If you are Philadelphia seventy six Ers, tune into seventy six Ers games for special Parks Casino offers for fans.

Watch all the action on the big screens in the Liberty bel Gastro pup or the Beer Garden, and come see me live with comedians from all across the country in three sixty Parks Casino. Visit Parks Casino dot com for tickets. Must the twenty one or over gamble. And we should add that the seventy sixers are about to have shoot around, like we've said, getting ready to play a game this evening. I wish I could spend the whole day watching James Harden highlights, and there will be

plenty of time for that. But we're gonna get into the Sixers game tonight. We're gonna get into their game tomorrow. We're gonna get into what these lineups could look like in the weeks and months ahead for the seventy Sixers. But Matt, you said it, the way that this man

plays basketball, it's incredibly captivating. Again, I know I say it, I've already said it once in this space, But I'm from Houston, and I didn't really know basketball when I was first watching James Harden play, but I knew that he was special. He has an aura, he has a vibe, and then he goes out onto the court and he has a magic about him. He is one of the greatest players to ever play this game, and we're pairing him with one of the greatest players to ever play

this game. I cannot believe that we are here, James Harden Worth noting, let's talk about Let's talk about the scoring title in the NBA. Right. We know that James Harden is an MVP. But to finish three consecutive years twenty seventeen, eighteen, eighteen nineteen and nineteen twenty as the NBA scoring leader, did James Harden? Then twenty twenty one last season, Steph Curry gets that scoring title? This season?

Who's the leading the NBA in scoring? Joel mb seventy six ers, leading the NBA and scoring in four of the last or rather three no, four of the last five years. If you can't watch Ooel is doing right now, this is unbelievable. Matt, what are you most looking forward to? This is when I'm getting a Ton, What are you most looking forward to when? And I see your questions about when is James Harden going to play? We can

address that right off the top. There are a lot of things that go into getting a player from one team to another and out onto the floor. We know that Harden has missed time due to that hamstring issue. We know that now he has to move cities, players have to clear physicals. So Matt and I unfortunately do not have the answers you're looking for in terms of when exactly will you see James Harden on the court.

But the pieces are in motion, as is the case when any team has any trade, and of course the Sixers ready to welcome him with in arms whenever he does arrive, whenever he is available to play. So I'm sorry that we don't have that answer for you. But what we do know is that he's going to be a Philadelphia seventy six er. And Matt Murphy when the day does come that he shares the court with Joel Embiid,

what are you most looking forward to? What do you see in your head when you think about that pairing man? The pairing itself is something to look forward to. There's a lot of antillary things as well. The first home introduction in the starting lineup will be something to take in when it comes to James Harden, the first step back three, the roar of the crowd at home. Can't wait for all of these things. You said it. One

of the best players in NBA history. Was part of the NBA seventy fifth anniversary team, so one of the top seventy five players of all time, voted on by a very prestigious panel. Maybe it's the first triple double when we see that from James Harden, sixty seven career triple doubles, eighth in NBA history. There's a lot, but just him and Embad in general, and how they work off each other. The scoring touch that Harden can provide as a three times scoring champ, and Bead his improved

passing numbers this year. How they work off each other already mentioned Harden's assists them in the pick and roll, perhaps connecting a lot more, and just the way that they play with each other. Harden in the clutch, there's so much. Joel has been very good in the clutch this year as well. But James Harden, such a reliable scorer and Joel really rises to the players around him, and I think it's going to be an amazing partnership and the first time they play together will be must watch.

And I can't wait to see Harden introduced to the Philadelphia crowd for the first time. That's exactly what I was thinking, Matt. I can't wait for him to walk into the Center as a seventies Sixer. I can't wait to hear Matt Cord get that call. I can't wait to hear what the fans do, how they react. I mean, the release, the excitement that we're going to hear from those people who. By the way, we should discuss the fact that the seventy Sixers fans are the best in

the game period. It's the loudest arena that the Sixers play in all season long, and I can tell you that from personal experience, and those are fans that get loud in the regular season. If the team is struggling, it doesn't matter. These are super engaged fans. So shout out to all of you that are in here right now. I see some familiar faces once again. But when these fans get the opportunity to embrace James Harden for the first time, Matt, I am so looking forward to being

in the building for that moment. It's going to be unbelievable. I was thinking about the pairing of James Harden and Joel Embi. That's a question. We're getting a ton, so we appreciate that a lot. And I was about to say that, I mean, look, both of them have played with great players. I believe that this is the best player Joel has ever played with. I don't think it's necessarily super close. James Harden, of course, has just played with Kevin Durant, one of the greatest to ever greatest

players to ever play this game. James Harden has a long history of amazing players he's played with. But Joel Embids certainly the best big man that James has ever played with, and James certainly the best shooter and distributor that Joel has ever played with. So I just can't wait to see how they start to feel each other out,

what it's like for them. I know it sounds corny when people say get in the lab, but the feeling in the lab, but between the two of them, is going to be just incredible to watch how they feel each other out, how they get to know each other. James Harden and Joel Ebid both have been relentlessly pursuing a championship. Now they get to do that together at in my opinion, full or strength than either of them has ever had and feel it out. And look, there's

not a lot of time. Obviously, the trade deadline happens beyond the midpoint of the season. But these are two players that want the same thing among a team that, by the way, has been overperforming this season so far. Incredible pieces we want to get here too, Matt. There's so many places we could go in this space. But the maintaining Tyrese Maxie on this roster, maintaining Matisse Thyble

on this roster. Young guys, hungry guys, guys that have taken feedback from Joel all season long and gotten better to now pair with those two. And that's without even talking about the veteran leadership that you're going to continue to get from Danny Green. And oh yeah, Tobias Harris is playing the best basketball he's played this season. He's playing like he was playing last season when he was considered and in my opinion, should have been an All Star.

So the three of them together. That's a big three that I can't wait to watch to be able to see. Look, the three of them have totally different strengths, Matt, That's something I'm really looking forward to. There's not a question of who's primarily going to be in the post and who's primarily gonna handle And I love the idea of Tobias sort of filling in in that midpoint between what

James is and what Joel is. The three of them have very distinct strengths, and I think that that's going to help in this ramp up process as they get to know one another as well. So, Matt, I guess we can start talking about that fit surrounding James, fit surrounding Joel fit surrounding Tobias. How are you feeling about watching the group come together? Like I said a couple of times, already can't wait for it to get here, And we do have a bunch of questions that we

can get into here in a second. I also want to hear just reaction from the listeners. So many great comments from you all during these Sixers spaces as we've been doing them throughout wins during the regular season for the Sixers, so even if it's not a question, if you just want to tell us why you're so excited or what you're excited about, let us know, and we'll

try to get to some of those as well. Right now, as we sit here on February eleventh, the Sixers are thirty two and twenty two a game and a half back of a trio of teams Milwaukee, Cleveland, and Chicago, and then three games back of Miami. But we've said it all year long, all season long, especially recently, the Eastern Conference very competitive and very close. Right now, the

MBAD and hardened duo. Talking free throws as a quick aside, Janice averages eleven point one free throws attempted per game, which leads the MBA. But then it's Joel Embat and James Harden right behind. Jannis and Beat averages eleven per game and Harden averages eight free throws attempted per game. Jannie only shoots seventy two percent and Beat eighty one percent, Harden eighty seven percent. The coolest thing about this is that Joel and Harden that's an all Star game duo.

It's hard to believe because it's not something that we're used to seeing in the regular season. It's we're used to seeing Joel and Harden in like an All Star game, and they're going to be teammates in Philadelphia in six Ers uniforms. So that's what I keep coming back to, is this idea of this is an All Star game duo Joel Embiid and James Harden, and they get to the line quite a lot. Maybe that's not All Star game related, but in regular season games, these two guys

make a living at the line. Well, it's interesting. We talked about this new look big three for the seventy sixers, and I'm going to go ahead and correct myself. I said that they all have really distinct strengths. I forgot about a really big one. Matt Murphy. Joel Embiid and James Harden perhaps the two greatest free throw shooters or line get or tours of all time. So that's a strength that they share. Perhaps length of game goes up a little bit for the seventy Sixers, but when it's

those guys doing that, that's not a problem whatsoever. So I like pointing out that situation at the line something to watch for, to be sure, And I appreciate you giving us those stats, and let's talk a little bit about the passing from James Harden, because I think that might be his most underrated quality. That was a question, by the way, from Mike, who listens a lot. Thank you, Mike. What's going on? Why aren't we talking more about James

Harden as a passer? Great question. James Harden's assists ten point two assists per game this season. That's the second highest assist average in this season thus far. He's also been an NBA assist leader. I'm going to figure out what year that was as I go through my stats.

But Matt, let's talk about him as a passer, as a distributor, James Harden finding Joel Embiad finding to Bias, Hairs finding Tyrese Maxie finding Batist Bible, finding any of these incredible players finding the Matt Like, my brain is exploding with the options and the way it's gonna look to watch Joel receive a pass from James Harden, Joel giving James Harden the ball, Like, it's just gonna be so wacky to see and it's gonna be so exciting. So what do you think when when we talk about

that underrated side of his game. James Harden as a prolific passer, one of the best active passers in the game right now, joining the seventy six ers ten point two per game this year, second in the NBA during the twenty seventeen eighteen during his twenty seventeen eighteen NBA MVP season in addition to his thirty points per game eight point eight assists per game. And James and Joel are so crafty with their passes. That's been a common

theme to talk about Joel's passing this year. But when you're spending all day watching you you're James Harden highlights or all week watching James Harden highlights his some of his passes. We know he's a lefty behind the back, between the legs. Over the years, he's very casual with it sometimes with the passes get where they need to go, and that's what makes him so fun to watch. And Joel, we've seen a lot of the same things, but just in a seven footer or form. So yes, James Harden

has the step back threes. Yes, he has the left hand hammered dunks sometimes times with the right hand, but highlight reel passes as well. So when picks are involved and when James no, look, he doesn't need to see you, he doesn't need to see Joel, he will find him. And it's usually in a way that the defense is not expecting because he just is so smooth out there.

I mean, this is one of the, like we said, one of the best players in NBA history, one of the best players in the NBA right now, a seven time All NBA player joining up with Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris and the Sixers. I got a question about Tyrese Maxie. I'm sure you did as well. New Waves said not to mention what Harden would mean as a mentor to MAXI.

So what do you think about that, Lauren. I mean, that's an unbelievable I mean, that's an unbelievable pairing as well, when you think about the youth and excitement surrounding Tyrese Maxie and what he's been able to do by the way, just the way he's been able to hold it down as a first time starting point guard in the NBA for the first half of this season, and by no means should we assume that his role is going to be super minimized by this change because the Sixers have

discussed it. Doc Rivers talked about it the last time that the Sixers played. They needed another guard, they needed someone to help Tyrese Maxie out, and can you believe that it's going to be James Harden. I mean, when we say it over and over, it baffles me in the best way. We talked about We talked about distribution, right, and the fact that Joel Embiid has improved so much as a distributor this season, averaging his best four point

three assists per game. Tyrese Maxie averaging four point eight assists per game, but James Harden averaging ten point two assists per game. That's something that you're essentially adding. Seth Curry was averaging four assists per game, so split the difference. That's six more than you were getting previously on a night to night basis on this team. So I love

what you asked about the mentorship aspect. I mean, look like, Tyrese Maxie has had amazing leaders this season, and it's been such a pleasure to listen to him talk about the way that Tobias Harris and Joel Embiide have impacted his life this season. The way Joel one of the greatest players playing right now, Tobias one of the most respected veterans in this league, one of the best bets, in my opinion, in the league right now. And the

way that the two of them have come together. We talk about it a lot, but Joel and Tobias have totally different leadership styles, but both of them have placed an incredibly high premium on being good leaders this season. And then the way that they're different styles. Joel, he says he likes to take over, put the team on

his back, and make it happen on the floor. He's talked about how much he respects Tobias for his ability to lead off the floor, where Joel has expressed that he's trying to get better as a leader off the floor, as someone who can talk in the locker room and do a good job communicating with his teammates. That's never an area that Tobias has lacked in. Right So, the two of them as leaders together bringing their strengths to Tyrese Maxie and now Tyrese gets someone who is elite

at the position. In the areas that Tyrese is so rapidly improving at Tyrese. We've talked about it all season, the way he's grown as a distributor, as a floor general, and as a three point shooter. Well, those are three categories in which James Harden is one of the greatest of all time. And now Tyrese gets to learn after

his game. So he already has these two incredible leadership voices in Joe Ellen Tobias, and now he gets to watch one of the best to ever play the same position or as similar position as what Tyrese is seeking. He gets to watch that firsthand. If you guys don't know a ton, I know there's some new listeners in here. I'm getting some messages about folks that are hardened fans that are coming in for the first time and want to know a little more about the lineup. Hey follow

the seventy Sixers Insiders feed. Matt and I talk about lineups. We get really nitty gritty in a way that we're probably not going to today about how the Sixers are playing after each game. So if you're new here, that's a great feed to follow seventy Sixers insiders. Matt and I will give you the nitty gritty about what's going on with this roster if you are new to following

the entire roster. But sorry, back to Tyrese talking about the way that he is going to interact with these new teammates, the way that a new teammate like James Harden can come into his life and show him the ropes with the success that Tyrese has already had without that person. I just can't wait to watch what that looks like altogether. In terms of mentorship, Matt or there any other pairings that you might want to talk about or any other combos that you're looking at in the

coming weeks. Well, we can certainly tee up a couple more questions and comments. I know some other current sixers were asked about even if it was overnight. But Maxie the scorer up to seventeen points per game this year, and now he can get a little bit of that advice guidance from a three time scoring champ through the twenty eighteen twenty seasons eighteen nineteen, nineteen twenty. But yeah, Harden, a guy that almost averaged forty points per game in

a season. Incredible numbers, incredible scoring numbers. So looking forward to seeing how that mentorship aspect of their relationship with hard In the Scorer and Tyrese the Scorer plays out. There was one that came in last night that brought Matise into the conversation, and it was from Amber so excited about having a floor raiser in jh alongside Reece and Tisse. Could you discuss what his acquisition means for

them and how he'll add to their game. So let's talk about Matise Thible a little bit and how he's still a sixer and playing with James Harden, how that's going to impact not just Tyrese's game, but Matisse as well. Larn Sure, Well, it's an exciting thing to look at when you look at sort of the composition of the group and the potential that this group has for sustained success.

When you think about Tyrese Maxie at twenty one years old, He's Thible is twenty four years old, but already just in his third season, an All defenseman in this league, someone who's had a lot of chatter for Defensive Player of the Year already this season, someone who hass history by the way guarding James Harden and has learned to

guard some of the best in this league. So to me, I'm not sure what the offensive pairing looks like, but defensively I look forward to and James Harden isn't isn't traditionally applauded for his defense, but there have been many a playoff game, there has been many a down the stretch moment where James dials in and he can defend, and he's a big body. He's not a liability out

there on defense in any way. So I'm seeing some chatter about that, and I don't really think that that's something that Sixers fans need to be super worried about.

But what I did want to highlight for those of you asking questions about Matise in his short three year Sixer's career, almost every player that's come in has had glowing comments about what it's like to play with Matise, whether Matise comes off the bench or starts, the punch that he brings defensively, the boost that he brings defensively, and the way that, even as a young player, he

inspires others to play defensively. So again, not exactly sure what it looks like when they share the floor, but the fact that this Sixers team, this potential rotation has so many distinct strengths that aren't just like mid level you liked mid level strength. People that are people that are the best at what they do. Let's talk about that for a second. How many players on this Sixers

team are potentially the best at what they do? And how many teams can even say that they have multiple players with elite skills at which they are the best, not just in the NBA, not just on the Sixers, but some of the best of all of all time at what they do. Sixers have at least three on this roster, if not more. We can get into some really distinct niche skills as well, but these are guys that know how to do things at an elite level.

So now it's all about bringing them together. And Matt we talked about this yesterday, but Doc rivers, so for those of you that weren't following the progression of events yesterday, and thank you to the new folks in here. It's really cool. Something we like most about Twitter spaces is figuring out where people are listening from. Tons of international listeners. Again, thank you, welcome, We love having you here. Tell us

where you're from. And lots of people that Nehemiah just just message message me about being here because he's a hardened stam and wanting to learn more about what it's like to be a fan of this team. I'm seeing actually a few of those. Sorry, I want to shout out as many people as I can, Ben, Chris Marquee, all guys that I sort of put aside for asking what it's like to be Sixers fans. So Matt, we can give I guess a little intro to the fan

base if you'd like. But talking about coming in following James Harden, I think that's something really really cool for us to continue diving into and welcoming new people into our space and into our family. But I think, Matt, I don't even know which direction we should head now. I'm overwhelmed by how many questions we're getting. Thank you guys so much, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you,

thank thank you. But yeah, I think the way that James is going to fit in with the rest of the roster, with guys that have such distinct and elite skills, I'm really excited. I know you said you had some more Matisse questions, some questions about Danny Green. We can't forget about his role in all of this. Tobias Harris, we can't forget about his role in all of this. I'm so looking forward to seeing Tobias, Joel, and James

all on the court together for the first time. I think that, like we've said, the distinct strengths that they all share is going to be unbelievable. That trio Joel, James Harden, Tobias Harris. We did just talk about impact on Matisse, thyble Tyrese Maxie most recently, but especially come playoff time. I mean, Matise in the playoffs such an important player, even more important than when he can bring out that defensive skill set on in the big spotlight.

But yes, all these guys, it's it's gonna be awesome. The fandom aspect is interesting to me when you talk about some hardened fans that were welcoming into a Sixers Twitter space last or this morning, never say Never. Part of their question questions to us, what was the energy in the office, how did we find out? And feel free to chime in more on this, Lauren, But I

was actually in Philadelphia. I was by Temple and was with some of our work colleagues, Nina Raspa and Trevor Gaffney after finishing up a shoot right when the news came through on Twitter, and Trevor was wearing a blue seventy six ers hoodie and there were actually cars honking in celebration right after the news broke on Twitter, which I thought was very cool. That's awesome the way that people have already embraced what has happened. I'm going to

take a page out of Tobias Harris's book. He talked about it a couple of nights ago. But everybody kind of finds out these things the same way. There are reports that come out, reported deals that are done, and then everybody waits for the trade call, waits for the official announcement. So it was a long day. It was an exciting day. I want to shout out a couple of people telling us where they're here. From BRUNEI. I think that's new. From Nairobe. We have a lot of

people come in from Nairobi. Our perth crowd is always here showing up as usual. I'm seeing folks from Florida, I'm seeing folks from Arizona. I'm seeing folks in Hawaii. Hello, I'm jealous. Wow, Okay, thank you international folks, thank you for being in here. Matt, I kind of got away from one thing that I wanted to talk about the way that yesterday sort of people a lot of people asking about the series of events. So, yes the Sixers were scheduled to have a practice. They didn't end end

up having a traditional practice yesterday. Doc Rivers talked about it afterwards with the media. He said that the human thing to do on a day like yesterday is to sort of just let everybody get their shots up in a relaxed way. And Doc said that he was so looking forward to shoot around this morning, which by the way, is coming up in just a minute. Matt and I will be there and we will be sure to cover any quotes that come out of shoot around this morning.

But Doc said he was so looking forward to this shoot around because he was gonna know who was on his team as the Sixers head into the nitty gritty of the season and into the playoffs. And it was interesting to hear him talk about the fact that twenty four hours from now, we were going to know something right, and he was going to know who his team was and he could embrace them all together. And the fact that now we're there. Twenty four hours later, after having

listened to Doc deliver that message is just so cool. Matt. I know you're going through questions right now, anyone that you want to shout out, what direction should we turn? Lots of questions about some of the guys that you talk about. A lot for those of you who are new here. By the way, Matt Murphy, if you're not following him, please do that now. He is so good at what he does. Matt is the play by play announcer for the Delaware Bluecoats. He has been in the weeds.

He has been, shall we say, in the mud with Paul Reid and some of the other players. They'll come up through that system. Oh no, I said, you've been in the mud, and now you're coming out the mud. I'm clear on how I'm clear on how the jargon works. Come on, Matt. But you've been in the trenches with those guys. You've been in the g link doing some of the best play by play work in the game, and then filling in, of course this season as a radio play by play announcer this season, filling in for

Tom McGinnis at times. You've done such a great job but Matt, there are guys that are sort of in your wheelhouse, guys that you've come up with that this is going to effect. I have a lot of questions about Isaiah, Joe, questions about Shake Milton, who, by the way, has been upgraded to questionable for tonight's game. Shake has been dealing with a back contusion over the last few weeks. So that's like a little silver lining that we haven't discussed yet as a group. Matt, to see Shake sort

of getting back back into form. But when you think about the guys towards the other end of the roster, how are you feeling for them in this moment. We talked about the mentorship aspect, We've talked about how the rising tide will raise all ships, but who do you see sort of emerging based on the changes to the roster yesterday? Who's your eye on again? Thank you for all of your Isaiah Joe questions, lots of questions about Isaiah this morning. Well, first of all, thanks for the

kind words. As I always want to point out and say, thank you, Lauren, You're too nice. Really appreciate all of that. One of those games where I actually filled in on radio was the Sixers win in Brooklyn one ten, one oh two at the end of December, and that was one of James Harden's many career triple doubles thirty three points, fourteen rebounds, ten assists. Harden went to the line eighteen times, made fourteen. Joel went to the line twelve times, made nine.

Back to our free throw conversation, but the impact on the the younger players on the Sixers roster, I think it relates to how you sort of started there and talked about Doc Rivers's comments around the trade deadline and how all of these players and coaches around the league have been talking about how it's nice to kind of go forward with your group, and I think that has to do with the young players, like in Isaiah Joe, to see how these guys are incorporated for the rest

of the regular season. And look, I've seen it at the G League level. I've seen Paul Reid win Rookie of the Year an MVP in the same season while shooting over forty from three, and he's a walking double double this year in the G League as well, a walking twenty ten game in the G League this year

as well. I've seen Isaiah Joe come down to Delaware last year actually in Florida at the single site and just dominate teams with his scoring and his three point shooting and his defense so active on the defensive end. So as they move forward, that is something to look forward to, is just the team coming together for the remainder of the regular season into the playoffs, and it's going to take everyone. It's going to be a team effort. There's so many pieces that are valuable to this seventy

sixers team. And when it comes to like in Isaiah Joe, I always when we're at the games, think it's interesting whenever they spend some time on players stars in this league matched up with stars, thinking about them growing up as aspiring professional basketball players, and the beauty of the NBA and the longevity of so many of these players that they grew up watching. They're in many cases matched

up with them. And now I'm sure that the young guys on the Sixers grew up watching James Harden's dominance and now they get to learn from James Harden and be his teammate. So that's kind of what I thought of when you mentioned Isaiah Joe because I've seen him kind of when he's matched up with players that he grew up watching, that's sort of interesting to me. And now he gets to be a teammate with one of them,

and James Harden. That's such a good point, Matt. And one of the best parts of our jobs is participating in media availability and getting to talk to the seventy sixers about what's happening in their day to day lives. I always say that my favorite thing about my job is just sort of covering the day to day activity of the team, which, by the way, this season has been incredibly exciting. We haven't talked enough about just what this seventy sixers team has been able to do this

year compared to what its expectations were. But yeah, I think that you just gave us us some good ideas about questions to ask in the coming days. What are your first memories of James Harden? What's it like to have been his opponent, what's it like to now be his teammate. Watching this transition through the eyes of an Isaiah Joe or a Tyrese Maxiere, a Matisse styble is going to be really, really exciting. So I'm very much looking forward to that as well, what else you got

in the questions. We're going to do this for a little bit longer, so if you guys any more questions, please keep them coming. But we have so many, so maybe don't keep them coming. I don't really, Matt. I'll let you take We'll have to get to shoot around at some point. But if you have a question or a comment, click on our icons myself or Lauren Rosen and send us a DM. But even if it's just

a comment, and we'll have some quotes. More quotes about James Harden and the Paul Millsap acquisition the trade from trade deadline day, I'm sure in the coming days, but one from Josh Harris was included last night in the official announcement. Quote, James Harden is one of the truly elite players in the league. His career has been defined by incredible personal achievement, including honors as MBA MVP and

three time MBA scoring Champion. Philadelphia seventy six ers managing partner Josh Harris said quote, We're thrilled to pair him with Joel Embiid in this dynamic roster in our pursuit of an NBA title. I'm proud to welcome James and Paul Millsap, a proven veteran and former All Star, to the seventy sixers, and can't wait for what the future holds for the city and our fans. And I think that's what it's all about, the pursuit of an MBA title. That's the goal, to win an MBA championship. And you

can't say that this trade doesn't help that cause. And I too can't wait for what the future holds for the city and its fans. Yeah, we talked about it off the top, but Joel Embiide one of the best to ever play his position, James Harden one of the best to play his position. Both of them two of the best players to ever play this game. But both of them have expressed over time that they are motivated by pursuit of a title. And I think that this pairing could be, if not is the best likelihood for

either of them to win a title. Compared to what they've ever had before. This is the best chance that either of them have ever had to win a title. It starts now, it could extend beyond next season. But let's dial it back in. Let's talk about what's immediately ahead. People that have joined late, I have two messages for you. One, this space will be available on this seventy Sixers Insiders

podcast feed, so check that out. Wherever you get your podcasts, you'll be able to listen to whatever you missed there. The other question that I'm getting a lot and I see it and I hear you, when is James Harden going to be able to play for the seventy Sixers. Sadly, we don't have that answer yet. A lot of things have to happen behind the scenes to get players to new teams, to get their physicals, and then of course James has been dealing with that hamstring injury, so making

sure that he's rehabbed and ready to go. So I'm sorry that we don't have the answer. You're going to have to be a little bit patient for now. Watch your James Harden highlights. Stay tuned on at Sixers. They'll have all that information as soon as they have it as well. But questions about tonight's game, as the seventy Sixers host the Oklahoma City Thunder, we will see probably at least certainly a different starting lineup from the Sixers.

They could continue to be shorthanded. However, we talked about Shake Milton potentially coming back into the lineup. He's been out for a few weeks due to a back contusion. He's been upgraded too for the first time. Tyrese Maxey also questionable tonight due to right hamstring tightness. As we get updates there, we will update you. But those the only two that are questionable for this one. For the seventy Sixers, Matt, what are you looking forward to in

the next few days. It's going to be crazy, it's going to be different. Changes are coming. But when you think about the Sixers completing this homestand then playing in Milwaukee and then taking their All Star break at which by the way, Sixers have two All Stars. We've talked about it, but looking forward to watching that game for sure. What are you thinking as the next week sort of

starts to unfold? Right? Looking forward to the rest of this homestand three more on this four game homestand Oklahoma City as we record tonight Friday night, Cleveland, one of the stories of the NBA on Saturday, the Boston Celtics in town on Tuesday, and there's another game before the All Star break. But the All Star game and the fact that James Harden is a seventy six ers All Star alongside Joel Embiid, Tyrese, Maxie and the Rising Stars game,

that should be a lot of fun. I'm looking forward to getting to Cleveland and providing some coverage there, so I would make that my answer probably all Star weekend around Maxie, Ebid and Harden and providing some content from Cleveland. Really looking forward to that. But the homestand before that is going to be a lot of fun as well.

Just the energy. Like you said, we don't know when James is going to make his debut, but the energy and the building regardless because of this move, and how excited the fan base is because of this move is you're going to feel that no matter what, there's going to be an extra buzz. To be sure, we talked about it at the top. Lots of international listeners in the space, people from all over the place. I had five consecutive dms of places I'm not sure we've shouted

it out yet. Listeners from Taiwan, Liverpool, Manchester, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico. Thank you guys for joining us. This is the beauty of Twitter spaces. Matt and I have loved experimenting with this platform throughout the season, and we really appreciate everybody that's coming in new faces. We love seeing you here, We love having you here. Usually we get to all of our questions today, I don't think we

will because of how many of you are here. Thank you for your engagement, trying to get to as many as we can. KPJ walks away from the trade with what I'm feeling. How are you feeling about the fit between Joel James and Tobias. I am really looking forward to watching them together. We talked about it at the top, but they have very distinct strengths. There's not going to be fighting over different lanes when the three of them

share the court. So that's what I'm most looking forward to, is each of them taking their elite skills and filling in the gaps for one another and just watching them play, watching them get up and down. It's going to be such a pleasure. I'm envious of the guys that are going to get to watch them in their first act us together whenever that is, and then of course really looking forward to being part of the group that's going to watch them play together for the first time, Matt,

what else do you got? As we run through more questions ahead of wrapping this one up, a few things to the point about Tobias, I think he's obviously in a really nice rhythm right now, or as he says so often, in postgame flow, and I think that's going to do nothing but continue for Tobias. Harris such a vital part of this team. Joel Embiid and James Harden, the superstars that they are, I don't think it will take very long for all of them to be flowing

nicely together. I got a couple Paul Millsap questions. A few people asked about Paul, the other player acquired in the trade. I want to give credit to those questions. Someone recently asked about mentoring Paul Reed, so to Paul's now as well, try to figure out I'll get I'll circle back to the people who asked about Paul. But four time NBA All Star, some things that stand out to me about Paul Millsap over a thousand career games with Brooklyn Denver, Atlanta and the Utah Jazz, career averages

of just under fourteen points and seven rebounds. This one was cool. The twenty fifteen sixteen NBA All Defensive Second Team selection is one of just ten players in NBA history with at least thirteen hundred steals and one thousand blocks. So someone who we talk mentorship, Paul Millsap, should play a big role in that area as well. And I'll look through and see who asked about it. Was Carter who said the Paul Read and Paul Millsap mentorship isn't

even being talked about. But I just laid out Millsaps some of Millsap's career as an example of how that might come to fruition. And I'll get to the other people who asked about Millsap as well. But another one, another credit to me Thief who's a loyal Sixers spaces listener follower. Lauren, you covered their most recent question about Maxie and status wise for tonight's game against Oklahoma City Friday's game against Oklahoma City. Yep. So that's something that

we will continue to update you about. I too look forward to seeing what Paul Millsap is able to bring to this group. We talked about veteran leadership quite a bit. I'm really into these questions of folks that are that are new to seventy six ers fandom, But I also don't want to talk the ears off of those that have been riding with us since day one. Oneona says she feels better, says she's looking forward to what's coming up.

But those of you asking about the roster composition and where Paul Millsap could fit, We've talked about veteran, veteran presence, and Joel Ebide considers himself a veteran now and we talked about it through the lens of Tyrese Maxie the way that Tobias Harris has been such a formative voice for him. But Tyrese credits Danny Green as well, a

really strong leader on this team. So we'll be cool to have Paul Millsap come in and join that sort of leadership more than a triumvirate, but that leadership group and see what his strengths will be on and off the floor with this team. He's someone with a great reputation and a track record as well, a four time All Star with plenty of stories, I'm sure, and plenty of insights to offer the youngsters on this team who I know a lot of you guys are excited about

as well. Want to shout out folks from South Africa, those sending love from Turkey, thank you. More folks listening from Nairobi, thank you. This is just my favorite thing. I love how many of you are tuning in from around the world, and we love being able to connect you to your favorite team from wherever you are. Some of you saying you're going to be at the game tonight. I'm looking forward to being at the game tonight as well.

Some questions about if there will be an introductory press conference. Sadly, I gotta give you the same answer I'm giving you about availability. We don't have for form answers on any of that yet. A lot of moving parts when players move teams, when players move cities, players have to clear physicals. James Harden dealing with a hamstring issue, so we'll see when that timeline comes about. We will let you guys know. You'll know is when we do, and we'll be sure

to keep you updated. So sorry for not giving you the answers that you want, but those are the answers that we got as it relates to a press conference. But Matt and I will be there and we will be sure to give you as much as we can when it does happen. Matt, it sounds like you might have found what you were looking for. I was just gonna say what a time. It was Mark who also asked about Millsap and potential contribution. So thanks Mark for listening,

you said. Winona as an active listener says, we gotta stay focused. Honest. Hardened fan chimed in earlier on I Love Darryl Morey. I might cry the six years acquiring James Harden in a trade of course, on trade deadline day, acquiring James Harden and Paul Millsap from the Brooklyn Nets. And the energy is fantastic surrounding this Sixers team heading into a couple more home games, a couple more games overall before the twenty two twenty two NBA All Star Weekend.

Fans checking in from Amsterdam from Columbia, this is all time international representation. Thank you guys so much for joining us. We love bringing you Sixers news and content and vibes. Whatever you're looking for. Continue to send us your questions from now until the next Sixers game, which is tonight and the one after that, which is tomorrow. Send us your reaction. We're hoping to continue doing these after every

six Ers. When we're going to continue doing these at ted pole moments like today, Matt, you and I are going to have to wrap up for those unaware. The Sixers are going to have shoot around shortly, so Matt and I are going to have to jump over to that. But if you joined late, you can get this podcast on the seventy Sixers Insiders podcast feed. Now I have to shout out some of my loyal folks. Gina I saw a second ago. Nicole is here. Both of you guys asked me if The Big Niang Theory might have

a certain special guest. If you're new here, The Big Niang Theory is George Niang's podcast. He very kindly invited me to join him as a host on his podcast this season. So if you're looking for a new NBA podcast, if you're new to Sixers fandom, this is a good one for you. Follow The Big Niang Theory wherever you get your podcast. George and I have different Sixers on.

We originally did this when George was a new Sixer about let's say six months ago now, when he first arrived in Philadelphia, he wanted to get to know his teammates better and flex his muscles as a podcaster. He's a really good podcaster, you guys, so our initiative was to help him get to know his new teammates better. Yes, George and I both aware that he has some new teammates. We will do what we can to make those guys

some upcoming guests. But we do have some other exciting upcoming guests that we can't wait to share with you as well. If you haven't listened yet, the first three episod we're interviews with fur concorkmas Tyrese Maxie, and Matisse Thyble, all of whom are still seventy sixers the day after the trade deadline, So go ahead and listen to those first three episodes. I'm working on the edit for episode four, and I hear you, I see your requests. We will do what we can to get a certain new seventy

six er on the podcast very soon. Thank you guys for asking. We always wrap up with a little bit of talk about that podcast, so seriously, it means a lot when I get your feedback. I appreciate you guys. If you can't find the podcast, message me. I'll make sure to send you a link, but you should be

able to get it wherever you get your podcasts. And again, if you join this one late, this one will be on the seventy six Ers Insiders podcast feed, the seventy six Ers Insiders, the Big Niang Theory, both parts of the seventy six Ers podcast network. Shout out to Matt Murphy for being such an arbiter of that network and for turning what this is going to become a podcast in the coming hour. So make sure if you join late you can listen to the beginning of this on

that feed. Matt, I'm reluctant to shut it down because I'm having so much fun and I'm so appreciative of everybody that's stayed with us, but we do have to run a shooter app. So anything you want to close with, anything you want to discuss, maybe talk a little bit more about tonight's game, and then hopefully we'll do a space you guys tomorrow morning to discuss yesterday's events, today's events, tonight's game, should the Sixers get the w tonight hosting

the Oklahoma City Thought there in South Philadelphia. Well, even though we're shutting it down. The beauty of it is that James Harden is a Philadelphia seventy six er and we get to cover him and talk about him for a long time hopefully, so that is more to look forward to. Thanks to you, Lauren. Thanks to everyone who tuned in today, whether it was your twentieth time or your first time listening to a sixer's Twitter spaces. More of these to come, like like we've said throughout after

Sixers win. So thanks for being here today. I hope you enjoyed it. Keep the messages coming, keep the tweets coming, because we will be back very soon. I'm sure so love doing these. Lauren, Thanks so much you and really

appreciate everyone who tuned in today. It sounds delightfully deep to cover the jade's heart of Europe on the seventy six ers, looking forward to whatever he does make his debut alongside Joella bed alongside Dubias, Harris Tyrese, Maxie Matifatival, Danny Green, Percut, Cortis, George Niang, the gang's all here looking forward to it. Thank you everybody for joining us. We will be back with you probably sooner than you think. Seriously,

thanks everybody for joining Thank you for the question. Sorry, if we need to get to you, we will try to do it next time. But thank you guys so much. Thank you Matt Murphy and I will see you in a couple of moments at you around. Bye guys, Thanks everyone for joining us. Thank you