On Thursday afternoon, the Philadelphia 76ers held a press conference to introduce Nick Nurse as their new head coach. As expected, impending NBA free agent James Harden was a big topic of conversation.
Over the past five months, there have been a handful of rumors regarding the All-Star point guard. He has a player option for this season and could be eyeing a reunion with the Houston Rockets. If Harden does depart in free agency, it will leave league MVP Joel Embiid without a running mate yet again.
When asked about Harden’s decision this summer, Nurse gave a rather interesting answer. He feels that winning is the center of their pitch as they try to keep Harden in Philly moving forward.
“Winning has to be the sell, right?” Nurse said, “Can we be good enough to win it all? That’s got to be a goal of his. And if it is, then he should stay here and play for us, because I think there’s a possibility of that.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Nick Nurse, James Harden & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
In the Joel Embiid era, the 76ers have been unable to make it past the Eastern Conference semifinals. They were in a prime position this year but coughed up a 3-2 lead to their longtime rival, the Boston Celtics.
Nurse also spoke on the ceiling this team has not been able to break through in the past. As he gets ready to lead this team, it is not something he is shying away from. In fact, it is a challenge he is ready to face head-on alongside them.
“I would imagine from Day 1, we’re going to talk about that and that we’re going to try to attack that, you know. We’re gonna have to face it, and we’re gonna have to rise above it.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Nick Nurse, James Harden & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Nurse made it clear that he would love James Harden back on the 76ers and that he feels this group is still more than capable of winning a title together.
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