The Philadelphia 76ers led by Joel Embiid and James Harden were one of the favorites to win the NBA title. However, they have failed to make it past the second round. Despite being one of the best players on the Philly side, Harden has reportedly rekindled speculations of joining one of his former teams, after a ‘very serious’ remark on the topic. The team in question is none other than the Houston Rockets.
Following a heartbreaking loss at the hands of the Boston Celtics led by Jayson Tatum in Game 7, the exciting new update about Harden’s future has left NBA fans debating.
James Harden might make a shocking return to a rebuilding Rockets
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James Harden’s time with the Houston Rockets came to a messy end in 2020. Following his exit, he moved to the Brooklyn Nets and the Philadelphia 76ers, where he has been a shadow of his former self. It seems like Harden is ready to rekindle his relationship with the Rockets.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, “James Harden is ‘very serious’ about returning to Houston”. This comes just hours after Jayson Tatum scored 51 points against the 76ers to lead his team to a 112-88 win. Harden faced a lot of flak after this embarrassing loss.
The Rockets are currently in a rebuild. They have a good young core comprised of future stars like Jabari Smith Jr, Jalen Green, and Kevin Porter Jr. to name a few.
Moreover, the Rockets have a great chance of landing 18-year-old sensation Victor Wembanyama this draft season. Along with the Detroit Pistons and the San Antonio Spurs, the Rockets have the best chance of drafting the 7-foot-4 inches tall prospect.
Adding James Harden to the young team might improve the balance of the team. He brings the much-needed experience of playing at the highest level of basketball.
The 2018 MVP is currently 33 years old and has a few years left in his Hall of Fame career. During the 2022-23 season, the 10-time All-Star averaged 21.0 points, 10.7 assists and 6.1 rebounds.
Fans left divided over this new update
As the news about James Harden potentially making a return does the rounds of the internet, fans are divided on Twitter. Here are some of the reactions.
James Harden
— Old NBA Tweets (@oldnbatweetz) May 15, 2023
Jalen Green
Tari Eason
Jabari Smith Jr
Victor Wembanyama
Sengun off the bench
this would be crazy
He really loves that city
— rennaT (@rennaTcMrennaT) May 15, 2023
That Jaylen Brown and Harden backcourt about to be DANGEROUS https://t.co/T9yW6xKAub
— Majin (@HoodieMajin) May 15, 2023
A huge number of fans have reacted negatively to this news while calling Harden ‘unserious’.
This doesn’t make Houston any better though
— Yung G.O.A.T (@FukbeinSocial) May 15, 2023
It was obvious game 7 he don’t care about no ring
— Jack Vincennes (@afcdaayneer) May 15, 2023
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i like how outwardly open he is about not being serious https://t.co/rUtny48eSD
— Kyle🇹🇹 (@kyleburndley) May 15, 2023
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