This year, the Philadelphia trio has started off with poor results, currently at 14 wins and 20 losses, ranking at the bottom of the Eastern Conference and not even qualifying for the play-in tournament. Embiid often skips games, forming a rest partnership with George. Additionally, since George joined Philadelphia, his statistics have experienced a cliff-like decline. So far this season, George averages only 16.2 points per game, with a shooting percentage of 41.4% and a three-point percentage of 33%. It's worth noting that last season, when playing alongside Harden, George averaged 23 points, with a shooting percentage of 47% and an impressive three-point percentage of 41%.
It's unimaginable that in just one year, George's statistics and shooting percentage have declined so significantly. There can only be one explanation: James Harden's enhancement of George. Obviously, Powell has put up similar scoring and shooting percentage numbers to George's last season while playing alongside Harden this year. Does this also suggest that Harden himself boosts the wing players? In the last game against the Suns, George had a shooting percentage of 5 out of 18. This season, George has already had six games with a shooting percentage below 30%.
Last season, George played 74 games for the Clippers, with only nine games having a shooting percentage below 30%, and we're not even halfway through the season this year. Without comparison, you wouldn't know, but once you compare, you'll find that George really did decline after leaving Harden. There's no longer anyone around him who can help draw defensive resources to surround and attack, making George more efficient. When George left the Clippers to join Philadelphia, he said that Harden made him and Leonard blue-collar workers; he didn't want to be a tool, believing that he would have greater opportunities in Philadelphia.
However, the harsh reality is that George has proven Harden right. The strategy should revolve around Harden as the tactical initiator rather than building around George as the primary ball-handler. Since Leonard's absence this year, Harden's solo leadership record has been enough to demonstrate the success of this strategy. Why was Leonard not disheartened after George left? Because Leonard understands that giving the ball to Harden is the correct tactic; Harden and George are not on the same level in terms of organizing ability.
In fact, George's departure from the Clippers has freed up Harden. Last season, Tyronn Lue was still hesitating whether to build around Harden or George. After all, Harden joined later and was the team's third player, while George was on a max contract. For a period, the Clippers' poor performance was due to unclear division of labor, and Tyronn Lue tried giving the ball to George and having Harden play off-ball. However, the Clippers' performance was indeed poor, so they changed it back. After the Clippers' big home win over the Hawks, Leonard said that Harden's organizational skills are historically great.
Leonard also mentioned another crucial point: Powell and Zubac became much stronger playing alongside Harden, with Powell even performing like an All-Star. This is Leonard's praise for Harden and the reason he insisted the Clippers keep Harden. Leonard has also proven himself right; his vision is better than George's. Now, aside from securing a four-year, $50 million top salary in Philadelphia, George has gained nothing else.
George wants control over the offense, and Embiid needs it too, as does Maxi, who is a point guard and needs the ball. In terms of shot attempts, George has become the third option in Philadelphia. We all know Embiid's history; he can't coexist with any forward other than Butler. Harris averaged 20 points in the Clippers but, after joining Philadelphia, his sweet spot offensive areas were all occupied by Embiid. Now George is in the same situation; his favorite finishing areas are also Embiid's favorites, so naturally, he has to give way. As for organizing, it's not his turn. Harris' highlight year in Philadelphia coincided with his collaboration with Harden.