Watch: Shaq and Charles Barkley respond to James Harden-76ers saga
Before the 2023-24 NBA season tipped off, the Philadelphia 76ers were already in disarray thanks to an ugly back-and-forth between the team and guard James Harden.
Over the last few months, Harden has requested a trade to the Los Angeles Clippers and publicly feuded with president of basketball operations Daryl Morey. The latest development saw the team hold Harden back from playing in the season opener Thursday after the former All-Star stunningly rejoined the team following a 10-day absence.
While plenty of varying opinions exist, Shaquille O'Neal and Charles Barkley perfectly summed up the situation as only experienced Hall of Famers can.
Barkley said Harden hadn't lived up to his "obligation" to the fans or the Sixers while also blaming Morey for the mess.
"You just can't take time off because you're unhappy you ain't getting traded," Barkley said. "And Daryl Morey screwed this thing up too. James Harden got one year left on his deal. The notion he gonna get a bucketload of picks and players to have a guy whose only going to be on that team for one year -- he's not going to get good deal."
Meanwhile, O'Neal concurred with Barkley while criticizing Harden and the Sixers for their lack of professionalism. O'Neal said Harden's behavior is impacting the team and reigning MVP Joel Embiid negatively.
"If I'm Joel Embiid, the time is now, and we don't need no chitter-chatter, we don't need no nonsense," O'Neal said. "This is our chance. Milwaukee just got stronger. Other teams just got stronger. So, believe it or not, Joel's chance at winning a championship has just diminished by a little."
Barkley quickly chimed in, screaming that Embiid's championship hopes have dropped by "a lot." Considering the current landscape in Philly, it's hard to argue.
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