One of the more prolific scorers in NBA history has overstayed his welcome. Regardless of many teams he’s played for, it’s time to cut “The Beard.” James Harden has become more of a distraction than asset to Philadelphia. From calling out General Manager Daryl Morey, to his cryptic tweets, James Harden's value as a player is declining.
How many teams are lining up to trade for his services in helping them win a championship? With his postseason performances, what team in their right mind will give up future draft capital for a guy whose style of basketball isn’t conducive to winning? James Harden’s best days are behind him far as being the guy who can get you 30 point double-double; let alone show up in the postseason when it matters. It’s not like 2017-2019 when he was averaging 35 points a night with the Houston Rockets.
His pattern of behavior speaks for itself by forcing his way out of Houston to Brooklyn. In hopes of winning a title with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, that soured rather quickly. Philadelphia traded problem for solution in swapping Ben Simmons. Little did they know, breaking habits is difficult to do and now they’re reaping buyer’s remorse for being delusional that James Harden could be the missing piece in competing for a championship.
A year and half later, Philadelphia is no closer to a title than they were prior the trade for James Harden. In the grand scheme of things, the window to win a championship is closed. The Sixers have reached their ceiling and maxed out their roster. Either way, they’ll have to give up Tyrese Maxey in any deal involving James Harden. No matter how Philly feels about his max potential and future, Maxey could flourish with another team. It’s a business at the end of the day; harsh realities of retooling your team to compete year in and out. James Harden has bamboozled the Sixers, while Daryl Morey is standing with ten toes down while being patient.
It's a harsh reminder to who you don’t acquire and give up draft equity for a player whose track record is quitting on his teams and pouting his way out the door. In the end, this will continue into opening night, which is October 24 th 2023. Rest assure, James Harden and the Philadelphia 76ers will have war of words that’ll be said internally and subliminally via social media. To jump from team to team while ring chasing doesn’t improve his legacy. Not by the slightest glimmer of imagination.
Head coach Nick Nurse said: “If he’s here, we go; if he’s not here, we go.” Philadelphia is preparing in the case of James not starting the season. It only adds speculation as to why he didn’t show up for practice. Apparently, he’s in Houston and that’s all we know. Joel Embiid has dealt with enough drama the last three seasons. Sadly, he shouldn’t be answering any questions about James’ whereabouts. This saga appears to be far from over and will get more turbulent with the season less than five days away.
Philadelphia has everything working against them in this saga of who’s going to give in first. James Harden only wants to win his way and he stands on it; along with wanting to head west to join forces with the Los Angeles Clippers. The Sixers should follow how Portland handled the Damian Lillard trade requests. Find the best deal and equity in return for Harden. No team in their right mind is giving up future draft picks for an aging superstar. It’s James’ own fault for turning down 3 years/$161 million dollars from the Brooklyn Nets. He declined that deal before the trade to Philadelphia happened. Now, he wants Philly to pay him what money Brooklyn was going to offer.
A messy ending and burned bridge are leaving thick smoke throughout the "City of Brotherly Love.” A sports city who is ruthless, obnoxious and no love lost, Philadelphia will root against him. Regardless of who ends up with James Harden, buyer beware and have common sense to see beyond the tea leaves. A team who’s desperate to fill an arena, will be dealing with the same issues further down the road. For now, James is the “biggest loser.”
Stai tuned…
