5 Things 76ers must immediately do if James Harden doesn’t report to camp
By Tyler Watts
3. Remove James Harden from their plans
Harden made it clear that he won’t play for Daryl Morey again. Fans have seen the superstar can be stubborn and nearly always gets his way. He wanted out of Houston and wound up playing next to Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in Brooklyn. Harden demanded a trade from the Nets and was reunited with his old pal turned enemy Daryl Morey in Philly.
He wants to go to the Clippers, and the ten-time All-Star may ultimately get his wish.
James Harden should not be part of the 76ers plans at any level of the organization. Nick Nurse and the coaching staff should assume he will not be there to run the offense. The player must be prepared to play without him and figure things out as currently constructed. Even the front office should not assume a significant haul is coming for Harden’s expiring contract.
If Harden is immediately wiped from the team’s plans, they can begin training camp as normal. Yes, there will be questions to answer about the ten-time All-Star and his absence, but the rest of the roster has time to prepare for their role sans Harden.
The addition of Kelly Oubre Jr. gives the Philadelphia 76ers some added scoring. Tobias Harris can take on more offensive responsibility, but a young guard transforming into the lead ball-handler is the key to the Sixers staying in contention.