The NBA offseason has historically been one of the most dramatic times of the year. With players on the move, franchises on the hunt, the league’s business aspect never fails to deliver. This year was no different and it all began with James Harden. The Beard requested a trade out of Philadelphia, and sure enough, chaos ensued.
James Harden has been on an aggressive championship pursuit for the past few years. His quests however have all ended in dismay. But he does not seem intent on giving up just yet. His trade request has evidently proved that he is still very keen on joining the best team possible to win himself a ring. However, this means that Harden might leave his close friend, reigning MVP, Joel Embiid stranded in Philadelphia. Kendrick Perkins recently had his say about the drama, also talking about Embiid’s future with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Kendrick Perkins discusses the James Harden drama
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The Philadelphia 76ers have dealt with a great share of drama over the past few years. Be it Ben Simmons‘ antics or Jimmy Butler‘s departure, the franchise’s front office has not had the best time. With James Harden, things went pretty much the same way. After their back-to-back second round exits in the playoffs with Harden on the roster, they practically knew his time in Philadelphia was up.
Harden has made it clear he would not like to return to the 76ers roster. However, this leaves Joel Embiid with no superstar to support him. The scariest duo in the NBA is on the verge of collapsing and Embiid is left stranded. This drama apparently is no less than a reality show according to Kendrick Perkins.
“You have the Real Housewives of Atlanta….it’s almost like this is the Real Men of Philadelphia 76ers because it’s almost like every single year this is a real reality show. It’s nothing but non-stop drama and less about basketball when it comes to the Philadelphia 76ers,” he hilariously stated on ESPN’s NBA Today.
Apart from James Harden’s Phily situation, Perkins also remarked about Joel Embiid’s future with the franchise amid all the drama surrounding him.
Big Perk on Embiid’s future
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Joel Embiid had his most impressive NBA season in 2022-23. The 29-year-old won the MVP award, also bagging the scoring title in the same year. However, the franchise’s playoff exit shattered his championship dreams. With Embiid’s talents, there is no doubt he deserves a championship run. However, after Harden’s trade request, this may not be easy for The Process. Perkins weighed in on this this issue too, on NBA Today.
“If I’m Joel Embiid, at what point do I grow tired? Well this year, after this year, he should be tired and I believe this is a make-or-break season,” said the former NBA champion. “You have Tyrese Maxey….don’t know what’s gonna happen with James Harden…at the end of the day, it comes out that if this season is not a success and I mean making it to the Conference Finals…..If I’m Joel Embiid I make this my last run with this Philadelphia 76ers and no one should be mad at him.”
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Big Perk set some big goals for Embiid and the Sixers. With the Harden trade request, it may not be easy for the franchise to break their second-round curse. However, the addition of Patrick Beverly and their new head coach, Nick Nurse bring a fresh perspective.