Is there a possible reunion on the cards for James Harden? The Philadelphia 76ers are proving themselves as tough contenders, given their eight consecutive victories. The Sixers currently stand fifth in the Eastern Conference with 20 wins out of the 32 games played so far. Evidently, the lethal pairing of Harden and Joel Embiid has brought out the best in them. However, this just might be over soon, according to recent reports.
Just an hour before the Sixers were set to face the New York Knicks, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski released a report stating Harden’s plans of returning to his former team, the?Houston Rockets. When asked to confirm the news, the 10x NBA All-Star gave a dismissive reply instead.
James Harden refuses to comment on rumored Rockets reunion
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Before the Philadelphia 76ers‘ game against the Knicks, James Harden was asked to confirm the reunion rumors. According to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer, the 33-year-old point guard was seemingly unaware of ESPN‘s latest news and asked the same to the reporter. Additionally, when asked about his reunion plans, Harden reportedly became agitated.
James Harden on Rockets reunion rumors:
“Why would you ask me about that on Christmas, man?… You didn’t say Merry Christmas or nothing. You asked me about something that I ain’t even… I’m not answering. I didn’t see nothing.”
(via @PompeyOnSixers, https://t.co/epdItxkFEs) pic.twitter.com/X1p1PJ3nYT
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) December 25, 2022
?Why would you ask me about that on Christmas, man? You didn?t say Merry Christmas or nothing. You asked me about something that I ain?t even ? I?m not answering. I didn?t see nothing,” Harden replied to the reporter.
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However, Harden’s dismissive reply didn’t go down well with NBA fans. They were quick to point out the fact that the future Hall of Famer neither accepted nor denied the possibility.
Here are some of the reactions from NBA Twitter:
He’s a team hopping loser what does he expect
— Andrew (@andrewdifalco13) December 25, 2022
Lol how to say yes without actually saying yes
— Jarred Mayweather (@JMonyMayweather) December 25, 2022
Toxic, wanna go there just to leave again when he losses to Golden State
— King_AMMO_ (@GoatBucketz7) December 25, 2022
Didnt even deny it lol
— Sixersplzwin (@sixersplzwin) December 25, 2022
https://twitter.com/FeelLikeDrew/status/1607161074650075136?s=20&t=xC8A_xEPnuHYqKzPo3Y2zQ
Damn that’s the most Defense from Harden ever.
— The Dawgzilla (@TheDawgzilla) December 25, 2022
That translates to I’m going back to the Rockets but you’re making it uncomfortable
— Robby Steven (@Robby_Sobel) December 25, 2022
Dude is always sensitive
— GoneFishin' (@GoneFishinnnnn) December 26, 2022
Bro lying his ass off he knows he wanna go back but he ain’t tryna tamper
— . (@jordydagoat_) December 25, 2022
Following the win, Harden seemed to be in much better mood. The 2018 MVP obliged to give his opinions about the news that was dropped just an hour before the game.
He said, “I’m here. We are playing very well. And I don?t know where the report came from. But I?m very excited to be here. We are playing well, and we’re continuing to get better.”?
A jolly Christmas night for Sixers fans
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the New York Knicks?119-112 on Christmas at the Madison Square Garden. Embiid led his team to victory with 35 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 assist on the night. Teammate James Harden added 29 points, 4 rebounds, and 13 assists.
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The Knicks’ Julius Randle scored 35 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists. While Jalen Brunson added 23 points, 3 rebounds, and 11 assists.
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The Knicks currently have a 18-16 record for the season, placing them in sixth place, just behind the 76ers in the Eastern Conference.
Do you think Harden could make a return to the Rockets? Let us know in the comments below.