Former Philadelphia 76ers head coach Doc Rivers told NBA podcaster Bill Simmons that it was “challenging” coaching James Harden.
The Sixers lost to the Boston Celtics in the 2023 Eastern Conference Semifinals in seven games. Rivers was fired as head coach and replaced by former Toronto Raptors coach Nick Nurse.
“It was challenging,” Rivers said. “More because we were fighting two things and not like visually fighting. James was so good at playing one way and the way I believe you have to play to win in some ways is different because it’s a lot of giving up the ball, moving the ball and coming back to the ball.”
This quote from Rivers isn’t that surprising. Sources told NBA Analysis Network after the Celtics beat the Sixers that Harden and Rivers were never on the same page. It’s why Daryl Morey — who is very close with Harden — fired Rivers and hired Nurse.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Doc Rivers & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Harden averaged 21.0 points, 6.1 rebounds and 10.7 assists in 2022-23 while shooting 44.1% from the field, 38.5% from beyond the arc and 86.7% from the free-throw line. The 10-time All-Star led the NBA in assists per game for the second time during his Hall of Fame career and helped the Sixers win 54 games in the regular season.
However, Harden had an awful Game 7 performance against the Celtics in the conference semifinals. The former MVP finished with nine points, seven assists and five turnovers in 40 minutes while shooting 3-of-11 from the floor and 1-of-5 from 3-point land.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Doc Rivers & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Harden is expected to decline his 2023-24 player option with the Sixers and become an unrestricted free agent this offseason. It’s going to be fascinating to see if The Beard re-signs with Philadelphia or goes back to the Houston Rockets, who have over $60 million in cap space.
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