FORT COLLINS, Colo. — The Philadelphia 76ers have been in the middle of the tough situation that is the James Harden saga. Obviously, the future Hall of Famer wants to be traded, and he has his eyes on the Los Angeles Clippers.
However, Harden is under contract with the Sixers, and he is expected to be at training camp just like everybody else. He has to participate in team activities and be a professional until Philadelphia can find the right deal for him.
So far, Harden has not been a big issue in practice like most thought he would.
“It’s been good,” said Joel Embiid on Wednesday. “He’s been doing a little bit of stuff. He hasn’t played, but energy has been great. He’s been around and I think he’s great for us. Coming in and not being a distraction, not that he was gonna distract us anyways, because we’ve been so focused.”
The Sixers went through something similar in 2021 with the Ben Simmons trade request. There were numerous questions whether he would show up and participate in camp and such.
Embiid believes this group is much different.
“I think this group is a lot different than a couple years ago,” Embiid continued. “When we had this situation. With a new coaching staff and everything that’s going on out there, I think it’s been he’s been easy and I don’t think anybody has been distracted with what has been going on.”
Joel Embiid on having James Harden back at practice #Sixers pic.twitter.com/aIP4eHGoVF
— Ky Carlin (@Ky_Carlin) October 5, 2023
The Beard is not yet fully ramped up and ready to take part in team scrimmages, but he has been participating in drills. That is a positive step forward for both parties. If Harden continues to be a professional, the Sixers will be able to find a trade worth pulling the trigger on for them.
“He’s been working through a lot of concepts,” Embiid added. “Doing as much as he can.”
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