Kelly Oubre Jr. is on his fifth team in his eight-year career. He is an athletic wing who can defend and shoot. As the James Harden situation is still up in the air, and Georges Niang has moved to Cleaveland, shooting was the 76ers‘ prime worry. That’s why Daryl Morey had to bring in Oubre Jr. without caring for the former MVP’s personal feelings.
Daryl Morey dedicated a whole page article to the Houston Rockets fans during his departure from the ‘H’ town. In that article, there was a quote dedicated to James Harden. That quote was, “thanks a lot for changing my life.” But that friendship seems to be all but forgotten. Daryl is making James Harden face Kelly Oubre Jr. who is married to his ex-girlfriend.
The Happy Camper Oubre Jr. vs. Honey Bun Harden
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Kelly Oubre Jr. is in a very peaceful head space. In the 76ers podcast, contrary to his rock star image, he came across as a very grounded and happy person. When asked about his life off the court, he said, ?Spending time with my family is my lifeline and my heartbeat, so I like to spend time with my kids and my wife, we enjoy spending time with each other, it is my recharging.?
His wife, coincidentally, just happens to be James Harden’s ex-girlfriend. While the details of her split with the Beard are unclear, it was rumored that Harden thought of her as “the one”. She started seeing Oubre Jr. soon after.
Harden and Morey: Best Friends to Sworn Enemies
When we talk about superstars that force a trade, one name clearly springs to mind: James Harden. The former Houston Rocket shooting guard was lauded as a legend for his time in H Town, but his antics that led to his eventual trade left a sour taste in the mouths of Rockets fans. It was rumored that in order to get his favorable trade to Brooklyn to join Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant; The Beard showed up to training in a fat suit, to appear unfit for games. He was also spotted across several strip clubs across the city, seemingly in an act of protest at the Rockets’ refusal to trade their former MVP.
Harden would end up getting his trade but soon ended up regretting his decision as the Nets super team failed miserably. Reports of Harden and Durant butting heads in training, combined with Irving’s stances on vaccination, meant that the Nets’ big 3 failed to live up to expectations. Therefore, it came as a surprise to nobody when Harden once again requested a trade from the Nets. He landed in Philly, where he was reunited with long-term friend Daryl Morey.
Their joy at the reunion was short-lived. Another failed playoff run from the 76ers, and Joel Embiid’s MVP award meant that Harden slowly faded away into being the second star on the team, as opposed to the face. Growing more discontent with the Organization, Harden took matters into his own hands and publicly called Daryl Morey a liar at a shoe promotion event for Adidas in China. The Beard claimed that Morey had promised him a trade to the Clippers, where he’d team up with Kahwi Leonard and Paul George to form another big 3, but later went back on his words following the 76ers second-round playoff loss.
James Harden on his China tour: ?Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he?s a part of. Let me say that again. Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he?s a part of.? ? pic.twitter.com/oaqVjXkax6
? Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) August 14, 2023
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The question now is, did Morey bring in Kelly Oubre Jr. just to miff James Harden even more? Or Did Morey encash his receipt for the liar comment earlier made by Harden? We would never know, but pitting two erstwhile friends seems like a reminder to Harden that Morey is the one in a position of power and not the former 6th Man of the Year.
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Regardless of whether Kelly Oubre Jr. and James Harden like each other or not, they are going to begin the training camp as teammates. Amidst all this drama, how long will Joel Embiid remain motivated to stay in Philly, who is being subjected to such torment year after year? Share your views in the comments!
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