USA Today via Reuters
Dec 9, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden (1) reacts to his three pointer against the Los Angeles Lakers during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 9, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden (1) reacts to his three pointer against the Los Angeles Lakers during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Former Houston Rockets star James Harden is having an efficient season so far with the Philadelphia 76ers. The veteran guard is averaging 21.7 points and a notable 11.1 assists per game this season. Both Harden and his MVP teammate Joel Embiid have been leading the 76ers from the front. Also, the shooting guard has not failed to make an impact with the teams he has played with previously.?
Harden was previously with the Houston Rockets, along with Chris Paul and Eric Gordon. Harden was arguably most efficient with the Houston Rockets, for having an MVP season and numerous great playoff runs with the franchise. Even before the Rockets, Harden started his career with the Oklahoma City Thunder along with veteran forward Kevin Durant and guard Russell Westbrook. Although Harden had a great run with the Rockets and the Thunder, the 76ers star seemed to overlook his former teams in his recent comments.
James Harden throws shade at his former teams
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Harden’s statement about his former teams seemed to have caught the attention of the entire NBA world. The 2018 MVP in an interaction with an?ESPN writer said,?“We had some really good teams in Oklahoma City, then that ’18 team in Houston. But this team is definitely the best chance I’ve had to win.”.
Fans believe Harden is underestimating his former teams and teammates with his comments.
Here are some of the reactions from NBA Twitter:
Now why would he lie like that
— Justo (@JuiceTho) January 18, 2023
https://twitter.com/itachix23/status/1615825260112224259?s=20
18 Houston was your best chance
— Hendrix! (@JAREDVANDERBILT) January 18, 2023
Maybe you would’ve won in Houston if you didn’t shoot tour dates in every important game.
— 🦌 (@DameToGiannis) January 18, 2023
This ain't better than the 18 Rockets or 12 Thunder
— Classik✨ (@ClassiGuy) January 18, 2023
2021 Nets were literally a toe away from a championship but ok
— “Knicks Hater” OG Anunoby Addict (@PlayoffBoundNYK) January 18, 2023
Harden was also a part of the Brooklyn Nets, along with Kyrie Irving, and rejoining his former OKC teammate Durant. Though they seemed to have a stacked team, the Brooklyn Nets made it only to the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals, where they suffered a disheartening 3-4 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. Moreover, Harden opted out as he was later traded to the 76ers for Australian guard Ben Simmons right before the trade deadline of the 2021-22 season.?
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Can Harden and the 76ers win the Championship?
The 76ers currently stand as the 3rd seed in the Eastern Conference with a 28-16 record, right under the Milwaukee Bucks. With their star center Embiid averaging 33.6 points and 9.8 rebounds a game, the Sixers have a great shot at the championship. Moreover,?the team is looking to make a move for the 2x All-star and veteran center Andre Drummond.?
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The previous season, the Sixers lost to the Miami Heat 4-2 in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals. In addition, the team has great playoff experience. Harden and Embiid’s dream of winning a championship could become a reality at the end of the season.?
Do you think Harden, Embiid, and the 76ers can go all the way this season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
