Showing Up With Ulterior Motives to Practice, Will James Harden Play Again for 76ers?

The Philadelphia 76ers had a very disappointing end to last season, as they lost to the Celtics in seven games in a hard-fought series. The Sixers were primed to make a title charge with MVP Joel Embiid and assist leader James Harden. But the Sixers stars choked when their team and fans needed them the most.

Following the playoff loss to the Celtics, Harden got into a war of words with the Sixers’ front office. This led to Harden reporting late for the preseason training camp at the University of Colorado. With the 2023-24 season around the corner, Harden looks set to make his return in the NBA preseason.

Will Harden Suit up for the Sixers?

James Harden and the Sixers front office didn’t have a very good dialog after the end of last season. Harden constantly criticized the front office during the offseason and he even called Daryl Morey a “Liar” at an event in China. With the new rules in place, the Sixers had all the leverage, as Harden couldn’t demand a trade or sit out for a prolonged period without getting fined significantly. Harden showed up late for the 76ers’ preseason training camp at the University of Colorado. And videos showed him working hard before the start of the season.

With the NBA preseason underway, many fans wondered; would Harden play in the preseason? In a recent interview, Harden dispelled any uncertainty of him suiting up for the Sixers in the preseason. He said, “I’m still ramping up. Still trying to get myself in the best shape. I feel really, really good, but there’s another level I feel like I can get to, and am gonna get to. I think there’s one more preseason game after that so I’ll ramp it up and try to play the last one just to get in game situations and used to the physicality of defenders bumping you and whatnot and the speed and tempo and all that good stuff so I think we got a good plan in place”.

Uncertain Future for the Sixers

James Harden, playing in the preseason, doesn’t lay rest to the growing speculation of him demanding a trade to the Clippers. In fact, it could further strengthen the Clippers’ desire to trade for Harden. He expressed his loss of trust in the front office, stating that he cannot repair the relationship between them. The “Beard” on many occasions has played underwhelmingly to force a trade. And if he persists with the tactic, then the Sixers would have no option but to trade Harden.

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With Harden’s future uncertain, players like Tyrese Maxey and De’Anthony Melton would have to step up. But even still, the Sixers don’t have a roster that is good enough to contend for the title. With Joel Embiid already 29 years-old, it wouldn’t be long before he demands a trade if the 76ers aren’t competing. If Joel Embiid demands a trade, then we can for sure say that Sam Hinke’s “Process” has failed. After years of tanking and drafting young players has only resulted in disappointing playoffs defeats, without even reaching the Conference Finals.

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