The weird thing is, who did Sixers get instead of paying Harden? I am looking at the roster of Sixers and all I can see is PJ Tucker and I feel like that’s not a huge deal as people make it out to be. They have Embiid, Harden, Harris is a good player, now PJ Tucker and that’s about it? Do you really think that they could make it to finals with these players?
I am not saying it’s impossible, of course they could still be a good team, but not like getting a cut suddenly made them insanely good, not like they got another superstar. It would have been awesome if they somehow got a third star to the team, that would make sense, but PJ Tucker is the place where that extra money went.
The Harden-Simmons trade happened mid-season and that affects the chemistry of the team that's why they didn't play like what people are expecting to them last season.
Now they have a full season to test the chemistry of the team. Yes, they only got Tucker, but the roster last season is good already. The problems with them last season are Embiid got injured and Harden didn't play the usual Harden in either Nets where he is a pass-first player or in Rockets where he is an offensive minded player. He played like an average player last season and now is the time for him to at least redeem.
As for their chances in getting to the Finals. I think they can. I mean they already have good players and have some good role players already. Thybulle and Tucker who is a great defender, they also got Melton who played really well when he was in the Grizzlies. They got Harrell as well who is a former 6th man of the year. Harris is a good contributor as well. I guess if there is a player who might need some development, it will be Maxey. Maxey might be the 3rd star to the team, and I believe he can.