6 SEPA Prospects to Replace James Harden

After reading today’s report by 76ers beat writer Keith Pompey that James Harden is likely to depart Philadelphia for Houston (Inquirer.com), we decided to identify and reveal six elite level prospects from southeastern Pennsylvania who we believe would be fantastic replacements for “The Beard”.

Those prospects are presented below for your consideration.

(**Editor’s Note: This is a light-hearted article filled with sarcasm, but accurate basketball analysis.)

Jalil Bethea Jalil Bethea 6'4" | SG Archbishop Wood | 2024 State #91 Nation PA – 6’4” / Junior / Archbishop Wood / Team Final EYBL / Shooting Guard: Bethea (1^st Team All-State; PCL POY) would be the perfect shooting guard to run with Embiid and Maxey. He is a lights out 3-point sniper (45.7%; 85 3PM) with logo range. His perimeter scoring presence would create significant space for Embiid. Bethea (23 ppg.) can create for himself or teammates off the dribble too. At the other end, Bethea is a plus defender with a long wingspan.   

Christian Bliss Christian Bliss 6'4" | CG George School | 2024 State PA – 6’4” / Junior / George School / PSA Cardinals / Combo Guard: This past season Bliss (20 ppg. & 5.2 apg.; 43% on threes) led George School to the FSL title and a runner up finish in the Non-PIAA state tourney. In short, Bliss knows how to win. The 2022-23 Non-PIAA State POY is a multi-skilled and physically gifted guard who plays with an edge. Originally from NYC, his tenacity and fearlessness are assets the Sixers desperately need.   

Justin Edwards Justin Edwards 6'6" | PF Imhotep Charter | 2023 State #3 Nation PA – 6’7” / Senior / Imhotep Charter / Team Final EYBL / Combo Guard: The Kentucky commit and PIAA 5A Player of the Year would be the ideal replacement for Harden. Edwards is fast, versatile, and athletic. He can get out in transition as the primary ball handler or a lane filler. He shoots triples at a solid clip. Plus, Edwards (18 ppg. & 7.5 rpg.) plays tenacious defense. Unlike Harden, he is also a proven winner (2x PIAA 5A state champion).  

Ahmad Nowell Ahmad Nowell 6'1" | CG Imhotep Charter | 2024 State #54 Nation PA – 6’1″ / Junior / Imhotep Charter / Team Final EYBL / Combo Guard: Nowell is a three-level scorer (15 ppg.; 47% on 3s during 2023 EYBL circuit) with a chiseled frame and a fierce attitude. His attack the rim style is something the Sixers lacked this year (outside of Maxey). He can operate as a point guard or play off the ball. Nowell (1^st Team All-PPL; 5A state champion) is accustomed to the spotlight and would never turtle up in a Game 7.  

Izaiah Pasha Izaiah Pasha 6'4" | CG Cardinal O'Hara | 2023 State PA – 6’4” / Senior / Cardinal O’Hara / Philly Pride UAA / Point Guard: In 2022-23 the 76ers struggled to keep their pace up-tempo. Pasha (1^st Team 4A All-State) gets downhill quicker than any guard in the region, so he would immediately solve that problem. Additionally, Pasha (18 / 7 / 7 per night) can play in pick and roll, excels at drive and kick scenarios, and will splash threes. Lastly, Pasha has a knack for hitting clutch shots which is something the Sixers also need.

Will Riley Will Riley 6'7" | SF Phelps School | 2025 State PA – 6’7” / Sophomore / Phelps School / UPlay Canada / Wing: Riley (26.4 ppg. & 4 rpg.) is the youngest prospect on this list, so he will need to mature and add some muscle. Still, this top-rated 2025 prospect is the perfect wing player for today’s NBA game, and we all know the Sixers lack wing production. With his speed, handles, accurate shooting and impressive hops, Riley is a playmaker who can do it all. Additionally, Riley’s poise, basketball IQ, and feel for the game are well beyond his age.