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Summary:
- James Harden did not show up for practice with the Sixers on Wednesday
- Harden asked to be traded in June as he was unhappy with the Sixers
- He did not give the Sixers a reason for skipping practice
James Harden missed the Sixers’ practice on Wednesday without explanation, indicating that the NBA All-Star guard continues to be unhappy with the Philadelphia 76ers after he requested a trade this summer.
The Sixers cannot be completed shocked with Harden’s behavior based on events of 2021 and 2022 when he wanted to leave the Houston Rockets and the Brooklyn Nets, respectively.
Harden also missed the shootaround on Monday before the Sixers’ preseason match against the Brooklyn Nets. However, he joined his teammates for warm-ups on Oct 14, and on Oct 15, he was present for the practice in Camden before the Sixers left for New York.
Harden’s Relationship with Morey Irreparable
Harden says his relationship with Daryl Morey, the president of basketball operations for the Philadelphia 76ers, is irreparable, comparable to loss of trust in marriage.
His initial days with the Sixers were free from drama, but he missed media day in Camden on October 2 and the team’s first practice session at Colorado State University on Oct 3.
During his only media session of the preseason, Harden said he plans to play basketball instead of sitting up till the issue is resolved and revealed hopes of suiting up for the preseason finale.
Morey Won’t Let Harden Force His Hand
In June, Harden requested to be traded to the Clippers. Many teams, including the Sixers, were reluctant to sign a four-year free-agency contract with him. When he could not realize his dream of being traded to the LA Clippers, he was furious.
He called Morey a liar and claimed he wouldn’t play with any team Morey was associated with. He also had to pay a fine of $100,000 for his comments.
However, Morey is determined to trade Harden only for a player capable of helping the Sixers achieve their goals or for assets that can be used to get such a player. Two years ago, Morey retained Ben Simmons until he signed a deal with the Nets for Harden. He is unlikely to let Harden force his hand.
Nick Nurse, the Sixers’ new coach, may discipline Harden by benching him and letting Tyrese Maxy, the rising guard, become the primary ballhandler.
Although a ten-time NBA All-Star and MVP of 2018, 34-year-old Harden is no longer the player he once was.
