James Harden Nears Season Debut with the Philadelphia 76ers
After weeks of drama and speculation, it appears that James Harden is inching closer to making his season debut with the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite his desire to be traded elsewhere, Harden recently joined the team on the bench during their home opener against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Although he did not play in the 76ers’ impressive 126-98 victory, Harden actively participated in the team’s video work and walkthrough before the game at the Wells Fargo Center on Sunday. Head coach Nick Nurse confirmed that Harden will likely rejoin the team for practice on Tuesday but did not specify when he will make his official return to the court.
Harden’s tumultuous relationship with the 76ers has been no secret. He exercised the $35.6 million option on his contract during the offseason with the hope of being traded, but no deal has materialized. Furthermore, he publicly labeled the 76ers president of basketball operations, Daryl Morey, a “liar” during an event in China back in August, resulting in a hefty $100,000 fine.
The Los Angeles Clippers were reportedly Harden’s preferred destination, but trade talks between them and the 76ers have temporarily halted as the current season got underway. Harden’s absence from the Sixers during training camp and the preseason raised eyebrows, but he rejoined the team last Wednesday. However, he was prevented from boarding the team’s plane by a security official before their first road trip of the season, supposedly to avoid disrupting team chemistry.
As a result of this incident, the NBA has initiated an investigation into Harden’s absence to determine the legitimacy of his reasons for not participating. The league aims to clarify whether an approved excuse exists for his extended time away from the team.
The 76ers currently hold a 1-1 record, losing their opener against the Milwaukee Bucks before rebounding with a win over the Toronto Raptors on Saturday. In their victory against the Trail Blazers, Joel Embiid delivered a near-triple-double performance with 35 points, 15 rebounds, and seven assists. Tyrese Maxey also impressed with 26 points and 10 rebounds, while Tobias Harris contributed 24 points.
With the 76ers scheduled for a day off on Monday, the timing seems favorable for Harden’s return to practice on Tuesday and Wednesday. If all goes well, he could potentially make his debut on Thursday night when the 76ers host the Raptors as part of a five-game homestand. However, given the turbulent relationship between Harden and the organization, the exact date of his return to the court in Philadelphia remains uncertain.
It appears that the saga surrounding James Harden’s presence and future with the 76ers is far from over.