Sixers flex muscles with latest James Harden development
James Harden returned to Philadelphia, and he was ready to travel with the 76ers to face the Milwaukee Bucks. After 10 days away from the franchise and almost no preseason preparations, the Sixers have other ideas.
Harden has been redirected to the Sixers medical and training staff. He will remain in Philadelphia to work on his conditioning.
"Instead of going on the opening road-trip, the team directed Harden to report to practice facility and work with development and medical staffs to get ready to begin season as soon as possible," ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported on X.
Harden's latest actions are a stand-down. His recent posturing had many fans wondering if he would return to the team. However, Harden's reputation can't take much more bad press. It's better for both sides if he returns to basketball activities. If he can prove his on-court value, perhaps other teams will begin to show an interest.
A trade doesn't appear to be imminent. Recent reporting suggests the Los Angeles Clippers are still far apart from Daryl Morey's current asking price. Harden had two choices: refuse to attend and risk being fined, or head back to Philadelphia. He chose the latter. That doesn't mean the saga is over, though. A cloud will follow the franchise until a long-term solution is found. Still, if Harden plays, he improves the Sixers' chances of contending.
Philadelphia's decision to reroute Harden is logical. It's also a show of strength. Rather than pandering to Harden's whims, the Sixers are treating their star guard like any other player. Harden hasn't trained, so he doesn't play. Risking an injury to a disgruntled star who wants out would be negligent. Philadelphia's approach should pay dividends in the coming months.
However, it may ruffle Harden's feathers. That's OK, though. Harden has been doing a lot of ruffling himself over the past few months. It's about time the Sixers took a strong stance with him.
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