Sixers Beat: a Philadelphia 76ers, NBA Podcast

The Athletic's 76ers reporters, Derek Bodner and Rich Hofmann, get together to talk about the always interesting Philadelphia 76ers, bringing you insider access from the team you love. Have something you want them to discuss on-air? Send them an email to [email protected] or contact them on twitter (@DerekBodnerNBA, @Rich_Hofmann)

James Harden vs Daryl Morey: who has the leverage? 09/07/2023

James Harden vs Daryl Morey: who has the leverage? Who has the most leverage in the Daryl Morey vs James Harden showdown? Derek Bodner and Rich Hofmann break down the Sixers' latest bit of drama with training camp now only a few weeks away. /episode/index/show/dce70e1f-8fe7-4372-962c-e76672d8ffe3/id/27973707

James Harden free agency thoughts 06/11/2023

James Harden free agency thoughts James Harden and the Sixers both have a major decision to make in the offseason. Derek and Rich discuss the calculus from both Harden and the Sixers' perspectives as Harden becomes a free agent, the pros and cons of bringing Harden back (and letting him walk) and how the other major moves of the offseason will be affected by the Harden decision. /episode/index/show/dce70e1f-8fe7-4372-962c-e76672d8ffe3/id/27373173

Nick Nurse hired as Sixers head coach 06/01/2023

Nick Nurse hired as Sixers head coach The Sixers have hired a head coach to replace Doc Rivers, former Toronto Raptors coach and noted Sixers antagonist Nick Nurse. Derek and Rich discuss everything about the new Sixers head coach: Can Nurse work his defensive magic with an entirely different roster? How about all those minutes that he played his starters in Toronto? Does this hire make it more or less likely that James Harden leaves in free agency? How will he work with his former nemesis, Joel Embiid? There are plenty of questions about what /episode/index/show/dce70e1f-8fe7-4372-962c-e76672d8ffe3/id/27373176

Harden rumors and diving into Sixers coaching candidates 05/25/2023

Harden rumors and diving into Sixers coaching candidates The Sixers offseason is officially underway. Derek and Rich talk about the recent rumors concerning James Harden's impending free agency and the Sixers' willingness (or lack thereof) to give him a max contract. Then, they discuss the pros and cons of the Sixers' main coaching candidates: Nick Nurse, Mike D'Antoni, Monty Williams, Mike Budenholzer, Sam Cassell and Frank Vogel. /episode/index/show/dce70e1f-8fe7-4372-962c-e76672d8ffe3/id/27373179

Initial thoughts on Doc Rivers' firing and James Harden's free agency 05/18/2023

Initial thoughts on Doc Rivers' firing and James Harden's free agency Fresh off being embarrassed in Boston on Sunday, Doc Rivers was fired on Tuesday and Daryl Morey spoke to the media on Wednesday. Derek and Rich talk about Morey's difficult spot, the potential candidates to replace Rivers and James Harden's outsized role in the Sixers offseason. /episode/index/show/dce70e1f-8fe7-4372-962c-e76672d8ffe3/id/27373182

Embiid and Harden no-show Game 7, Sixers fire Doc Rivers 05/16/2023

Embiid and Harden no-show Game 7, Sixers fire Doc Rivers The Sixers season ended in the most humiliating fashion possible in Boston. Derek and Rich discuss a career-defining performance (in all the wrong ways) for Joel Embiid, James Harden again coming up short in an important moment, Doc Rivers' role in all this and why the Sixers continue to disappoint when they play a real team in the second round. Note: This podcast was recorded minutes before Rivers was officially fired, which felt like a formality. Both hosts talked about Rivers as the former Sixers coach d /episode/index/show/dce70e1f-8fe7-4372-962c-e76672d8ffe3/id/27373185

Sixers head back to Boston for Game 7 05/12/2023

Sixers head back to Boston for Game 7 It has been a wild week for the Sixers. First, a James Harden masterpiece ties the series up in Game 4. Then, Joel Embiid and the Sixers play perhaps their best game of the season and dominate the Celtics in Game 5. And with their best opportunity in years, the Sixers offense laid a complete egg in a Game 6 closeout situation at home. Derek and Rich discuss all of that, plus what they're expecting from Game 7 in Boston... and why they're perhaps a bit more optimistic than they were at the beginning the seri /episode/index/show/dce70e1f-8fe7-4372-962c-e76672d8ffe3/id/27373188

Sixers lose Game 3 to Celtics and talking with longtime Sixers fan, Governor Josh Shapiro 05/06/2023

Sixers lose Game 3 to Celtics and talking with longtime Sixers fan, Governor Josh Shapiro The Sixers lost Game 3 to Boston, surrendering homecourt in the process and making Sunday's Game 4 a de facto must-win game. Derek and Rich talk about the struggles of the Sixers starting backcourt of James Harden and Tyrese Maxey, the Sixers consistently losing the little things battles against Boston in the past two games, plus Joel Embiid's encouraging performance after an emotional MVP ceremony. Finally, they are joined by a special guest, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who discusses his longtime S /episode/index/show/dce70e1f-8fe7-4372-962c-e76672d8ffe3/id/27373191

Sixers stun Celtics in Game 1 behind James Harden's masterpiece 05/02/2023

Sixers stun Celtics in Game 1 behind James Harden's masterpiece The Sixers started their second-round series in Boston as massive underdogs, playing the title favorites without Joel Embiid. And they stole Game 1 in front of a stunned TD Garden behind perhaps the best postseason performance of James Harden's career. Derek and Rich discuss Harden's brilliance, the late-game heroics of Paul Reed, Doc Rivers yet again coming up big while coaching shorthanded and plenty more from one of the most triumphant Sixers wins in recent memory. /episode/index/show/dce70e1f-8fe7-4372-962c-e76672d8ffe3/id/27373194

Sixers-Celtics preview, Embiid's status uncertain 04/30/2023

Sixers-Celtics preview, Embiid's status uncertain The series Sixers fans have been waiting all season for is upon us! But unfortunately, as seems to be the case every year, Joel Embiid's health status is uncertain as the Sixers prepare to face Boston. Derek and Rich recap the latest with Embiid's knee injury before previewing the series: How the Celtics will test Embiid's mobility more than any other team, why Boston has single covered Embiid throughout his career, possible ways to get Tyrese Maxey on track in what has been a difficult matchup, defending J /episode/index/show/dce70e1f-8fe7-4372-962c-e76672d8ffe3/id/27373197

Sixers sweep Nets 04/23/2023

Sixers sweep Nets The Sixers went to Brooklyn, got two wins and now have a week off. Derek and Rich discuss everything that happened to create the franchise's first sweep since 1991: The James Harden and Joel Embiid ejection drama from Game 3, Tobias Harris and Paul Reed stepping up in a big way in Game 4, Doc Rivers' unfortunate choice of words, how the team's toughness showed up on the glass... and unfortunately, Embiid's injury and Harden's inability to make a 2-point field goal. /episode/index/show/dce70e1f-8fe7-4372-962c-e76672d8ffe3/id/27373200

Sixers overcome sloppy performance to beat Nets in Game 2 04/18/2023

Sixers overcome sloppy performance to beat Nets in Game 2 The Sixers turned the ball over a ton, James Harden played one of his worst games as a Sixer... and it still didn't matter all that much. Derek and Rich discuss the Sixers' win in Game 2 over Brooklyn: Why did it take so long for them to get back to the Game 1 blueprint of letting Joel Embiid pick apart double teams? How concerning was Harden's performance? They also go over some of the postives: Embiid's defense (and post-game trolling), Tyrese Maxey's shotmaking and Tobias Harris shining in the first roun /episode/index/show/dce70e1f-8fe7-4372-962c-e76672d8ffe3/id/27373203

Sixers rout Nets in Game 1 04/16/2023

Sixers rout Nets in Game 1 The NBA playoffs are finally here! And the Sixers took care of business against Brooklyn in a 121-101 Game 1 win, despite some hot shooting from the Nets. Derek and Rich discuss how the Sixers handled the Nets' aggressive double teams against Joel Embiid, hustle plays from Paul Reed and P.J. Tucker and a hot 3-point shooting game for James Harden. /episode/index/show/dce70e1f-8fe7-4372-962c-e76672d8ffe3/id/27373206

Sixers-Nets Preview 04/13/2023

Sixers-Nets Preview The regular season is over, as the Sixers finished with 54 wins. That is the most since Allen Iverson led them to the NBA Finals in 2000-01. Derek and Rich briefly touch on Joel Embiid winning the early vote for MVP before breaking down the upcoming 3-6 first-round series against Brooklyn: Where are some potential problem areas for the Sixers against the revamped Nets? And what defensive schemes might the Nets try to slow down Embiid? /episode/index/show/dce70e1f-8fe7-4372-962c-e76672d8ffe3/id/27373209

Sixers wrap up regular season, Embiid makes final case for MVP 04/07/2023

Sixers wrap up regular season, Embiid makes final case for MVP The Sixers ended the competitive portion of their regular season with a blowout loss to Miami, a game that Doc Rivers regretted playing his starters in. But a few days before that, Joel Embiid delivered a 52-point masterpiece to salvage one game in the season series about Boston. Derek and Rich talk about their concerns headed into the playoffs, offer some initial thoughts about a Boston series and if they believe Embiid is going win his first MVP. /episode/index/show/dce70e1f-8fe7-4372-962c-e76672d8ffe3/id/27373212

Sixers lose to Bucks, Nets loom as playoff matchup 04/04/2023

Sixers lose to Bucks, Nets loom as playoff matchup The final week of the NBA regular season got off to a rough start for the Sixers in Milwaukee. Derek and Rich discuss Doc Rivers' tough night and what the Sixers might have been holding back for the playoffs. They also talk about James Harden and the bench unit thriving against Toronto, Tyrese Maxey's scorching hot shooting and how the next CBA might affect the Sixers. /episode/index/show/dce70e1f-8fe7-4372-962c-e76672d8ffe3/id/27373215

Sixers win, Harden and Embiid detail injuries 03/30/2023

Sixers win, Harden and Embiid detail injuries After Joel Embiid sat out the highly anticipated matchup with Nikola Jokic on Monday, he and James Harden returned to the lineup for the Sixers on Wednesday against Dallas. The Sixers won the game, and afterward, Harden and Embiid spoke about the injuries that they are currently dealing with. Derek and Rich discuss their level of concern over Harden's Achilles issues, while also sizing up where Embiid stands in the MVP race with seven games left to go in the season. /episode/index/show/dce70e1f-8fe7-4372-962c-e76672d8ffe3/id/27373218

Sixers drop tough back-to-back out West 03/26/2023

Sixers drop tough back-to-back out West The Sixers wasted Joel Embiid's massive performance in Golden State and then were flat on the second night of a tough back-to-back in Phoenix. Derek and Rich discuss their level of concern (or lack thereof) over some of the week's key storylines: James Harden's injury, P.J. Tucker and the bench struggles, Tyrese Maxey's playmaking and Doc Rivers turning to Dewayne Dedmon in Phoenix. /episode/index/show/dce70e1f-8fe7-4372-962c-e76672d8ffe3/id/27373221

Concern about Harden after Sixers loss to Bulls? 03/21/2023

Concern about Harden after Sixers loss to Bulls? Derek and Rich have done it again. On the day before they planned to podcast, the Sixers' dominant offense slapped together its worst performance in months as they lost in double overtime to Chicago. They discuss James Harden's rough night against the Bulls and their level of concern after Doc Rivers revealed that Harden's foot was bothering him. Later in the episode, they discuss Joel Embiid's dominance and where he stands in the MVP race. /episode/index/show/dce70e1f-8fe7-4372-962c-e76672d8ffe3/id/27373224

Sixers keep winning, Embiid making MVP case 03/13/2023

Sixers keep winning, Embiid making MVP case Despite a difficult March schedule, the Sixers continue to reel off wins. Derek and Rich discuss some of the lineups that are fueling that success, while touching on Joel Embiid making up some ground against Nikola Jokic in the NBA MVP race. /episode/index/show/dce70e1f-8fe7-4372-962c-e76672d8ffe3/id/27373227

Sixers offense continues to roll 03/10/2023

Sixers offense continues to roll Derek and Rich go over their major takeaways from the Sixers' 4-1 road trip, including Joel Embiid's dominance, James Harden playing the best basketball of his Sixers career, along with their concerns over the team's defensive struggles. /episode/index/show/dce70e1f-8fe7-4372-962c-e76672d8ffe3/id/27373230

Big Sixers Comeback 03/05/2023

Big Sixers Comeback The Sixers scored 48 fourth quarter points to secure a comeback win over Milwaukee, handing the Bucks their first loss in over six weeks. Derek and Rich break down the statement game from the Sixers, go over Doc Rivers' decision to reinsert Tyrese Maxey into the starting lineup, and discuss the report that James Harden may be looking to return to Houston in free agency. /episode/index/show/dce70e1f-8fe7-4372-962c-e76672d8ffe3/id/27373233

Heartbreaker 02/27/2023

Heartbreaker The Sixers lost a heartbreaking game against the hated Boston Celtics on a last-second shot by Jayson Tatum. Derek and Rich dissect what happened in the showdown between Eastern Conference contenders, and project that forward when talking about a potential playoff series between the teams. /episode/index/show/dce70e1f-8fe7-4372-962c-e76672d8ffe3/id/27373236

Sixers Comeback Win Over Grizzlies 02/25/2023

Sixers Comeback Win Over Grizzlies Joel Embiid played his best defensive game of the season, James Harden had another big night against one of the league's best defenses, and the Sixers picked up another win over a contender. Derek and Rich break down the Sixers' comeback win over the Grizzlies. /episode/index/show/dce70e1f-8fe7-4372-962c-e76672d8ffe3/id/27373239

Mac McClung Dunk Champion + Mailbag 02/20/2023

Mac McClung Dunk Champion + Mailbag Derek and Rich react to Mac McClung's incredible performance in the dunk contest, before pivoting to the listener mailbag, going over whether the Sixers should continue to bring Tyrese Maxey off the bench, whether they focused too much on the backup center spot in the buyout market, and more. /episode/index/show/dce70e1f-8fe7-4372-962c-e76672d8ffe3/id/27373242

The Very Good, but Perpetually Frustrating, 76ers 02/17/2023

The Very Good, but Perpetually Frustrating, 76ers Rich and Derek go over the Sixers' important win over the Cavs, their initial impressions of newly-acquired Jalen McDaniels, whether or not Dewayne Dedmon can solve the team's backup center problems, and what to make of this very good, but perpetually frustrating, 76ers team. /episode/index/show/dce70e1f-8fe7-4372-962c-e76672d8ffe3/id/27373245

Sixers Winning In New York 02/13/2023

Sixers Winning In New York Derek and Rich break down the Sixers' wins over the Knicks and the Nets and give their first impressions of newly acquired forward Jalen McDaniels. /episode/index/show/dce70e1f-8fe7-4372-962c-e76672d8ffe3/id/27373251

Sixers Trade for Jalen McDaniels 02/10/2023

Sixers Trade for Jalen McDaniels The Sixers traded Matisse Thybulle for Jalen McDaniels. Derek and Rich break down the trade, going over the details of what the Sixers gave up, what kind of a player McDaniels is, where he fits in their playoff rotation, and whether he was the right player to target with their limited trade assets. /episode/index/show/dce70e1f-8fe7-4372-962c-e76672d8ffe3/id/27373254

Trade Deadline Preview 02/06/2023

Trade Deadline Preview Derek and Rich break down what to expect from Thursday's NBA trade deadline, recapping the reports that are out there, the options the Sixers have in front of them, and the trade assets they have to work with. /episode/index/show/dce70e1f-8fe7-4372-962c-e76672d8ffe3/id/27373257

Sixers Split with the Magic 02/04/2023

Sixers Split with the Magic Rich and Derek discuss their major takeaways from the two-game set against the Orlando Magic, which the Sixers split thanks to a 105-94 win on Wednesday night. /episode/index/show/dce70e1f-8fe7-4372-962c-e76672d8ffe3/id/27373260

Sixers Beat: a Philadelphia 76ers, NBA Podcast

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