The biggest storyline surrounding the Philadelphia 76ers heading into training camp was the status of former NBA MVP James Harden. He skipped the first day of camp but reported to Colorado State University, where the team is holding its camp in preparation for the season.
It would be easy for people to assume that his presence at camp distracts the team. Harden has gone to great lengths this offseason to be traded again, taking shots at 76ers’ general manager Daryl Morey in the process.
For now, however, Harden remains a part of the 76ers. And it is something that reigning MVP Joel Embiid is very happy about. Embiid recently opened up about Harden being back with the team, and he doesn’t see it as a distraction.
“I don’t know,” Embiid said when asked what his expectations were for Harden’s level of involvement after a second straight practice that Harden participated in. “He’s practicing with us. That’s all we know.
“But we’re not focused on that. We’re focused on getting the offense together and defense together figuring out how to play together.
“As a team, we’re just focused on what we’ve got to learn and learn as soon as possible. We don’t have a lot of time. We want to win, and that’s the goal.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Joel Embiid & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Everyone outside the 76ers organization is fixated on Harden and how things will unfold. With previous trade requests, he has shown up out of shape and performed at less-than-expected levels until he gets what he wants.
It is anyone’s guess if that will occur again, as the 76ers are mired in trade rumors for the second time in two years. Last time, it was Ben Simmons holding out for a change of scenery, eventually being traded to the Brooklyn Nets as part of the package that brought Harden to the City of Brotherly Love.
Embiid said that the two situations aren’t similar at all. “I think this group is a little different than a couple of years ago,” he said. “[We have] a new coaching staff and everything that’s going on. I think, you know, it’s been easy [to focus]. I don’t think anybody has been distracted.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Joel Embiid & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
It will be interesting to see how things unfold. Morey has proven time and time again he isn’t going to trade a player just because they want to be moved; he needs to get back what he feels is fair value in the deal.
This will be a situation to keep an eye on moving forward. The 76ers are under new leadership with Nick Nurse taking over as head coach, and it is certainly beneficial for Harden to learn the new concepts with his teammates. But it is fair to wonder how long he will be part of the franchise.
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