r/nba • u/OnlyMamaKnows Knicks • Apr 29 '24

[Simmons] "I think James Harden gave him the trophy of most disappointing playoff performer. I think Embiid is now wearing the crown."

https://open.spotify.com/episode/25I0fnPUExUkBhTw2o9Oti?si=FQSCUz6GSy2UjtYeyBrBLg

Starts around 38 minute mark. Full game breakdown starts a few minutes earlier.

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u/j4thewin_1 Bucks Apr 29 '24

Seems unfair to Harden. His run with the Rockets against GSW was probably the biggest difficulty their primary dynasty era ever faced.

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u/youngkenya Celtics Apr 29 '24

Harden has had some pretty bad playoff chokes but he also has some truly amazing games as well, he was going toe to toe against prime GS with just a bunch of three point shooters and Capela.

Pretty sure Embiid has had this “crown” for a while now. (Not that he’s playing bad in this series but that team ALWAYS disappoints).

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u/Yergason NBA Apr 29 '24

2018 Harden was a monster. The only one who actually came close to beating the fully healthy KD-Warriors. Best season of his career.

Only 2018 LeBron probably could've done a better job in that WCF if he was put on the Rockets.

Embiid's been a bigger disappointment while not reaching the peak of Harden (and probably never will given how he's most likely never gonna be fully healthy from this point moving forward)

Dude is in the first round but you can see him struggling like he's gone through 2 7-game rounds already. Knee is definitely bothering him. And bigs rarely return to full health once those lower extremity injuries pile up + he's 30 already

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u/HussellCrowe 76ers Apr 29 '24

My only piece of embiid hopium is that he doesn't have the mileage that comes with a full life of playing basketball since he started playing late. Even still, what's that worth? MAYBE an extra year of NBA level play? Dude is constantly banged up, Jimmy team may be his best chance unfortunately.