Even with James Harden officially on the 76ers roster before the season began, the Celtics made a serious of roster moves to sure up their roster, for undoubtedly, a potential playoff matchup with Joel Embiid and a supposed James Harden 76ers team. Most notably, the Celtics traded for point guard Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis.
The 76ers problems with Harden began with his acquisition last year in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets. The Philadelphia brass and the fans thought Harden was the missing piece to the championship puzzle. But, since Embiid was drafted, the 76ers were unable to advance past the second round of the playoffs.