Nets and 76ers both improved

But the Bucks are still the East favorites

BY DAVID THORPE

Two players who will, hopefully, be happier with their new teams. TIM NWACHUKWU/GETTY IMAGES

Sixers acquire James Harden and Paul Millsap

Daryl Morey and the Sixers got their guy. There is a lot to unpack here. First, we can’t forget that any solid player is better than the zero that Ben Simmons has been for the 76ers on the court this season. But it cost them Seth Curry, one of the top 3-point shooters in the game. Someone who at least tries to execute the game plan on defense, and who knows how to play alongside Joel Embiid. Is he as effective as Harden? Well that depends on which Harden plays, doesn’t it? The guy who played most of his games in Brooklyn is far better. The dude we saw score four points in Sacramento the other night would be a different story. Henry mentioned players sandbagging the other day, and I suspect that’s what Harden was doing in that game. 

Harden is not what he once was, but he’s every bit the elite offensive player on many occasions, not just …