Coach Lue Saves James Harden’s Honor Ahead of Philadelphia Return, 144 Days After Clippers Trade Fiasco

James Harden’s tumultuous departure from Philadelphia dominated the headlines this offseason. After several tantrums, which included publicly criticizing the 76ers’ president of basketball operations, Daryl Morey, and missing practice sessions and preseason games, Harden was finally traded to the Los Angeles Clippers in the first week of the regular season. Following the contentious exit, he is set to face his former team for the first time when the Clippers take on the Sixers at home on Sunday afternoon.

Hours before tip-off, Clippers head coach Ty Lue weighed in on Harden’s arrival, emphasizing his value to the team.“We’re just happy to have James and everything he’s done here for us. I’m not quite sure what happened in Philly, but I’m happy he’s here for us. For us to be offensively being a lot better and just being a better team. So, I just kinda focus on what he’s done here for us, I don’t really know what happened in Philly,” Lue told the reporters.

James Harden’s era in the City of Angels got off to a rocky start, with the Clippers losing their first six games post-trade. However, they soon overcame this initial slump. With Lue figuring out how to integrate four ball-dominant players in the lineup, the Clippers staged a massive turnaround, even making it to the top of the Western Conference standings at one point, thanks in large part to James Harden’s addition.

Harden’s ability to orchestrate plays without dominating the ball has led to smoother and more organic offensive sets. Moreover, his synergy with Ivica Zubac in pick-and-roll situations further allowed him to make plays for others and create scoring opportunities. Although he is averaging his lowest since his Houston Rockets days, his importance to the team’s offense cannot be overstated.

The 76ers struggle without James Harden

Meanwhile, the Sixers, on the other side, are regretting letting their star walk out. The team started out well without James Harden, especially with Tyrese Maxey stepping up. However, reigning MVP Joel Embiid’s meniscus injury in the left knee has stagnated their season. The 76ers’ big man has been out of the lineup since Jan. 30 after Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga accidentally landed on his left leg while vying for a loose ball.

Without Embiid’s 35.3 points per game, they have just managed a 9-15 record. In his absence, the 76ers have struggled, particularly in the paint. While Tyrese Maxey has been doing a good job of holding the fort down while Embiid recovers, it is clear as day that he needs help. And these are the moments the Sixers relied heavily on Harden for last season. However, according to NBC Sports Philadelphia’s John Clark, Embiid is expected to return in 2–3 weeks. Do you think the 76ers can make a deep playoff run? Let us know in the comments!

Read More: “Wasn’t My Choice”: Collateral Damage of James Harden Fiasco Reflects on Shocking 76ers Trade Before Confronting Clippers