The Philadelphia 76ers watched their season come to an end this week when the Miami Heat swiftly defeated them in Game 6 of their Eastern Conference semifinals showdown.
Sixers star James Harden was awful yet again in the outing, going scoreless in the second half of the elimination game.
In addition, as has been the case frequently over the course of the season, he and head coach Doc Rivers couldn’t seem to get on the same page.
When asked if Rivers drew up enough plays for him, Harden offered up a blunt response.
James Harden on his $47 million player option: “I’ll be here. Whatever allows this team to continue grow, get better and do the things necessary to compete at the highest level.”
Harden said the ball didn’t get to him. Asked if Doc Rivers called plays for him: “Next question.” pic.twitter.com/AisZhcfnC2
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) May 13, 2022
“Next question,” he said.
Yikes. Nobody shirks responsibility for his consistent and unfailing playoff disappointments quite like Harden.
While Rivers unquestionably has his flaws, so does Harden. And they’re becoming apparent to everyone, including Joel Embiid.
“I’m sure since we got him, everybody expected the Houston James Harden, but that’s not who he is anymore.”
Embiid on Harden after the 76ers Game 6 elimination pic.twitter.com/W9EReowHyk
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 13, 2022
“I’m sure since we got him, everybody expected the Houston James Harden, but that’s not who he is anymore,” Embiid said.
No kidding.
Embiid also seemed to long for a consistent and reliable playoff performer like his ex-teammate, Jimmy Butler.
“Still don’t know how we let him go”
Embiid on Jimmy Butler no longer being a 76er pic.twitter.com/kyGhZ4dLuI
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 13, 2022
“[I] still don’t know how we let him go,” Embiid remarked.
This is going to be a fascinating offseason for Philly. It’s worth remembering that Harden wasn’t even Embiid’s first choice of superstar teammate. He tried to make the best of it, but clearly this partnership is deeply flawed.
Now that looks like a fun honeymoon. https://t.co/eofbMHSIuf
— Game 7 (@game7__) May 13, 2022
Obviously if the 76ers come back and legitimately compete for a title next season then this entire conversation will be moot.
But if they don’t, a sledgehammer will inevitably need to be taken to the roster once again.
Related: How LeBron James Feels About Jeanie Buss’ Lakers Leadership
Charles Kruger has been credentialed to cover two Super Bowls, four NBA Finals, and one World Series. A 20-year veteran in the sports world, he has sources spanning the NBA, MLB, NFL, UFC and NASCAR. Currently residing in Los Angeles, Calif., he is Game 7’s go-to source for rumors surrounding the Lakers, Clippers and Dodgers.
