NBA Rumors: It’s officially media day and even with James Harden’s no-show, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey had some shocking statements.
After trade talks fell through earlier in the offseason, the Philadelphia 76ers called James Harden’s bluff and, at least for now, they were wrong. As NBA Training Camps begin with media day, Harden was a no-show for the Sixers. I’m not sure if the Sixers believed Harden would cave and show up but at least to begin training camp, it doesn’t appear as if the All-Star guard is going to be present.
However, missing out on media day isn’t that big of a deal for Harden. The true test will come once training camp practice begins. If Harden still isn’t present for that, that’s when true headlines will begin to be made.
And we should find out soon what he decides to do.
But several of the Sixers’ personnel had some interesting comments regarding Harden and his standing trade demand. When asked about it, Sixers general manager Daryl Morey echoed what he’s been echoing since the initial trade request – essentially that the team is working to find a trade that works for all parties.
Daryl Morey then addresses the James Harden situation.
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) October 2, 2023
"He continues to seek a trade and we are continuing to work with his representation to find the best solution for the 76ers and all parties."
But that’s kind of been the problem. The Sixers could probably trade Harden right now if they wanted to, but they haven’t found one that fits what they’re looking for. It was reported a few weeks ago that Morey had ended all Harden trade talks.
It seems that Morey is open to a resolution but at the same time isn’t pushing something just for the sake of a trade.
Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey comment on James Harden
But Harden’s teammate’s comments were more intriguing, at least in my opinion. When asked about Harden, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey had some interesting comments. In fact, considering everything that has been reported all summer, I’d say their comments on Harden were downright shocking.
Both Harden and Maxey echoed something similar, that they both hoped Harden would be back in the fold.
Joel Embiid: "I'm happy with what we have." Reinforces that he simply believes he needs to stay healthy all the way through the playoffs for this team to have a chance. He says he's excited about what Tyrese Maxey can do, and hopes James Harden will be back in the fold.
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) October 2, 2023
I’m not sure if the Sixers’ management got the message out that they wanted a united front on the Harden issue but it’s clear that the two most important players on the team knew exactly what to say when asked by reporters.
Tyrese Maxey: "We hope that [Harden] comes in and plays."
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) October 2, 2023
The Sixers are clearly trying to get in front of all this and make it seem like it’s Harden who is pushing the Sixers away and not the other way around. Quite frankly, that is probably the case.
But it is interesting that Morey said the team is working to trade him while the players, Embiid and Maxey, both said they’re hoping Harden is on the team this season.
Maybe it is as simple as Harden vs. Morey at this point. Despite the recent comments, I’d fully expect Harden to be in a different uniform when he makes his season debut.