5 Months After Running Doc Rivers Out of Philadelphia, James Harden Receives Honest Advice From the Legendary Coach

Though there are many critical voices against James Harden, his erstwhile coach only has empathy for him. And if he is right, the MVP would have to make amends with the Philadelphia team, and the front office to begin this season on a positive note. Will James Harden pay heed to him, though? Or is he going to sulk his way out of Philly?

Regardless of whether Harden stays in Philly or not, he has not done any favors to himself by antagonizing the team, and thereby the fans. Ben Simmons will always have a tough time in the city of brotherly love, but James Harden can still restore his relationship with Philly.

Doc says,

Doc Rivers had one of the longest stints in the league as an NBA coach. He is a champion who commands respect from all quarters of the sport. However last season, with his 76ers teams bowing out of the semifinals, he lost his coaching job. It was the seventh time that he had blown a 3-1 lead against his opponents. That being said, it is not the complete picture. And we are going to see Doc in the commentary booth of ESPN, along with Doris Burke and Mike Breen. Recently Doc spoke to ESPN?s Mallika Andrews, and when asked about James Harden, he wanted James to stay with the 76ers despite the recent bitterness. His advice to Harden was, “Just play and it will work out… Just go and play, be a pro, and I think it’ll all work out… It’s hard to walk back all the things that have been said.”

Doc Rivers is a well-respected and well-connected authority in the league. If he is suggesting James Harden to stay in Philly, it could be more than advice. And Philly clearly needs him, too.

What about the Clippers?

Can the Clippers pull off a trade with the 76ers to get Harden on their team? If the reports are true, the Clippers are willing to give two of their first-round picks for that purpose. But what impact James Harden is going to bring to the Clippers, with two ball-dominant players already on the team in Kawhi Leonard and Paul George? And what if Daryl Morey chooses to stay put? Or worse, trade him to a non-contender?

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James Harden is not in control here. Sooner he understands better it is for him. And as Doc advises, he can still be a pro, and put in his work for Philly.

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