James Harden (196cm, G), one of the league’s top guards, averaged 36.1 points, 7.5 assists, and 6.6 rebounds in the 2018-2019 season, but leaving the Houston Rockets, which was in its heyday in the 2020-2021 season, was for victory, but he suffered a feud in Brooklyn and was eventually traded to the Philadelphia 76ers before the start of the 2021-2022 season.
Harden’s trip to Philadelphia drew a lot of attention because Philadelphia already had Joel Embiid (213cm, C), the league’s best big man, and the meeting between the best guard and the league’s best big man raised high expectations.
In fact, the synergy between the two players was tremendous, unlike before, when Harden saved his teammates and became the center of the team, MBID averaged over 30 points for the first time this season, but they were a little different in the playoffs, both struggling against the Miami Heat defense, and Philadelphia was eliminated in the second round.
Although he was eliminated in the second round, Philadelphia, which is seeking to win, actively entered the free agent (FA) market and challenged to win again by recruiting players who have worked with Harden in the past.
But this time, both players failed to win. The regular season, like last season, didn’t matter. Thanks to Harden, Embiid also won his first season MVP. However, in the playoffs, neither player showed the same destructive power as the regular season, and Philadelphia finished the second round elimination again.
As expectations were high, there were also many regrets, and as a result, rumors are rising that Harden, who broke up with former coach Doc Rivers and became a free agent (FA).
Philadelphia owner Josh Harris said in response. “I respect Harden,” I told The Athletic. We want to hear what he wants. At the same time, we want our team to compete at the championship level. That’s why I want to convince him. We want him to be with our team.”
“Philadelphia is doing its best. I don’t know what the outcome will be, but I’m looking forward to it.”
by: 안전놀이터