James Harden Opens Up About Facing the Philadelphia 76ers
James Harden was traded to the LA Clippers last fall, and this week, he played his first game in Philadelphia since the switch. So, what was it like being back in Philly? James Harden opens up about facing the Philadelphia 76ers in some post-game comments.
James Harden Opens Up About the Booing
When Harden entered the court, he was booed by 76ers fans at the game. This wasn’t a big surprise. Harden knew it would be a tough crowd.
“I expected it,” Harden said in a post-game press conference. “I don’t really know what it’s about, but I expected it. So, it is what it is. I don’t know why they were booing.”
Aside from the boos, Harden also saw a lot of fans at the game. Seeing those friendly faces reminded him of the impact he had as a player when he was with the 76ers.
“I think I did a lot. I also had a very impactful, positive impact on a lot of people while I was here, a year and a half,” he said. “I’m grateful for those relationships. I’m grateful for the opportunity and things like that. Those things that I can cherish and move on with. Everything else doesn’t matter.”
The Clippers squeaked out a win against the 76ers on Wednesday, 108-107.
Harden Not Interested in Mending His Relationship with 76ers’ Daryl Morey
After the game, Harden was also asked if he has kept in touch with 76ers gem and recent NBA MVP Joel Embiid since heading to the Clippers. His answer was simply, “No.” Then, when asked if he could eventually make good with 76ers president Daryl Morey, he had a harsher response: “Hell no.”
Harden asked for a trade from the 76ers in June 2023 and wanted to go to the Clippers. He grew upset that Morey took his time moving the player. While the trade finally happened, it wasn’t until after the start of the regular season, which wasn’t what Harden expected. Harden publicly called Morey a “liar” and said he’s “never” going to be part of an organization with him again. It sounds like those feelings are still fresh and run deep.
Harden is currently averaging 17.1 points, 8.6 assists, 5.1 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game. He’s shooting 43.9/39.5/88.1 for the Clippers.
The Philadelphia 76ers’ next game is Friday (March 29) at 7:30 p.m. on the road against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The LA Clippers’ next game is Friday (March 29) at 7 p.m. in Florida against the Orlando Magic.
5 NBA Teams to Watch Right Now
5. Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers are solid this year, but they aren’t one of the best of the best. That said, there’s lots of potential here. Watch these guys closely. It’s so fun to watch Tyrese Maxey, who is a total superstar. He’s been averaging an upwards of 28 points per game lately.
(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
4. Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves had a big loss to the Bucks following the break, but then, they came back and definitively beat the Nets. The Wolves have been experiencing a few offensive hiccups, but they’re still one of the strongest teams in the league.
(Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
3. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder crew is on fire. Coming back from break, they totally blew out the Clippers, Wizards and Rockets. Chet Holmgren is a star here, averaging around 24 points a game.
(Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
2. Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets are another team that came out of break with fire. These guys have been on a winning streak since the break ended. Nikola Jokic has been especially strong since break, averaging around 27 points per game.
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
1. Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are really the strongest team in the NBA right now. They’re on a winning streak, which is nothing new for them. They have not one but a group of star players in Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum and Derrick White. It’s hard to see any team topping them.
(Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
