James Harden, Joel Embiid give their thoughts on Sixers adding PJ Tucker

CAMDEN, N.J.–The reason why the Philadelphia 76ers went out and added tougher players such as PJ Tucker, De’Anthony Melton, and Danuel House Jr. is because the team needed some better supporting players around their star duo of Joel Embiid and James Harden.

The goals were obvious. They needed some toughness, they needed some more two-way players, they needed reliable players, and that is what the front office went out and accomplished over the summer.

Tucker is a guy who Embiid even singled out after the Sixers were taken out by the Miami Heat in the playoffs. He also has a ton of experience playing with Harden during their time together with the Houston Rockets.

“It was huge for us,” said Harden. “Joel, myself, and Doc (Rivers), and the front office, we tried to figure out what we need to add to this team to get us to where we need to go. With the additions of Tuck and D-House and De Melton and Montrezl (Harrell) as of recently, I feel like we got the right pieces we need on both ends of the ball to make us a legit contender and be the last team standing.”

Tucker is a guy who fits the need the Sixers had going into the summer. They needed toughness. They needed an edge. They also needed more shooting and he provides all of that.

“Obviously, playing against PJ, I thought if you don’t wanna mention Jimmy (Butler), I thought PJ was one of the X-Factors that really had a big impact for them against us,” said Embiid. “Obviously, Daryl (Morey) went out and did his job.”

Along with what Morey and the front office did as well, the Sixers got some help from Harden and the fact that he took a $15 million pay cut. Embiid made sure to single out The Beard as well.

“Thanks to James, too, for what he did. Without him, it would not be possible, all these additions, so we gotta be really thankful, but now it’s time to go. Everybody’s gotta be on the same page, but we got a chance to win. We’re gonna be on the same page and it’s gonna be fun.”

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Story originally appeared on Sixers Wire