James Harden and the Philadelphia 76ers crashed out of the playoffs after the series defeat against the Miami Heat. Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo turned out to be the protagonists of their win in the Eastern Conference semifinals. In fact, every player on the Heat roster turned up big when the team needed them to.

While the Heat put up an impressive performance, that was not the case for the 76ers. Joel Embiid missed some game time because of the face injury. But even then he continued his form from the regular season. However, it was a playoff series to forget for James Harden.

James Harden averaged 17 points per game in the series that ended in 6 games in favor of the Heat. It was only in game 4 that Harden showed glimpses of his best when the 76ers tied the series 2-2. But since his arrival to the 76ers in February, James Harden has not looked like James Harden. He has not performed at the level everybody knows he can and everyone expects of him.

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On top of all this, a mediocre season coupled with high pay and a big contract is a recipe for heavy criticism and that is what Harden has often received.

Is James Harden worth $393 million now?

Recently Patrick Beverley of the Minnesota Timberwolves spoke out in defense of Harden’s proven talent over the years. “As far as moneywise, you give the boy whatever he’s asking for…it might sound kind of crazy but there’s no one in the league that can kind of do what he can do, still at this time right now.” said Pat Bev about James Harden. Ex-teammate Pat Bev felt like the criticism on Harden has been tough on him and a little unfair.

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Since February the question has been: who won the trade deal between James Harden-Ben Simmons? The Nets or the 76ers? Sadly, the situation has been a lose-lose for both sides. While Harden is still a quality player and has proven his talent over the years but his price makes his services questionable to say the least. But Harden’s season-ending performance on Friday was so putrid that people around the NBA are saying his time as a worthy supermax player won’t end during a potential extension. It’s already over.

WATCH THIS STORY: 3 times Harden choked in the playoffs.

How Harden shows up next season still remains to be seen. Everybody knows what Harden is capable of and everyone hopes he can be back to his best. Certainly, 76ers would hope so because his high pay and contract should come with definite success because of the reputation and stature that precedes James Harden.