The Philadelphia 76ers face a challenging start to the season with the ongoing drama surrounding their star player, James Harden. The drama started when Harden exercised his $35.6 million option with the 76ers for the current season, indicating that he is interested in a potential trade. However, the 76ers’ front office has been unable to find a suitable deal which made these tensions worse.
A recent report by Shams Charania from The Athletic and Stadium suggests that Harden missed the preseason finale against the Atlanta Hawks due to a personal issue. This made the continuation of Harden’s absence, as he had not been with the team since Sunday.
James Harden remains away from 76ers due to personal matter and is out for preseason finale vs. Hawks tonight.
No preseason games in for Harden, who has not been with the team since Sunday.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 20, 2023
Last season, Harden showed his on-court prowess by averaging 21.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, 10.7 assists, and 1.2 steals, while shooting 44.1% from the field and 38.5% from beyond the arc. Harden’s off-court tensions with the 76ers increased when he labeled Daryl Morey as a “liar” during an event in China. Following this public claim, the NBA fined Harden with $100,000.
Even though Harden stated his preference for a trade to the Los Angeles Clippers the negotiations have come to an impasse. The current situation leaves the Sixers and their fans in a difficult position as they prepare for the new season.
Nick Nurse experimented a new Sixers lineup without James Harden
In the middle of the Harden controversy, the 76ers are changing their strategies and applying what suits them best. Under the leadership of their new head coach, Nick Nurse, the team is exploring new lineup combinations to make sure they remain competitive.
During the final preseason game against the Hawks, Joel Embiid made his much-anticipated return for the team and provided a glimpse of what could be a strong frontcourt duo. Nurse decided to use Embiid alongside the young talent, Paul Reed. Although Reed has always been viewed as Embiid’s backup, the two showed their potential to work together. Embiid scored 21 points during the game, while Reed proved his versatility with six points, eight rebounds, and two blocks.
Nick Nurse evaluates Joel Embiid’s return after Sixers beat Hawks https://t.co/8VSYPmQiuu pic.twitter.com/oitZXjVkp8
— Sixers Wire (@SixersWire) October 21, 2023
The 76ers have their season-opening match against the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday, followed by games in Toronto and a home opener against Portland. Nurse seems unaffected by the absence of Harden. On his approach, he said, “I think I’ve been preparing for it all this week. Lots of thought has gone into him not playing and preparing the team that way this summer. I don’t think it’s affected us very much, at all.”
As the new season approaches, the Sixers remain a team that is still not fixed on his roster. However, with a new coach and talented players on the team, the Philadelphia fans are hoping for on-court success despite the off-court dramas.
