James Harden On His Relationship With 76ers Coach Doc Rivers
James Harden On His Relationship With 76ers Coach Doc Rivers
The Philadelphia 76ers were unceremoniously booted from the NBA playoffs this weekend following a Game 7 loss to the Boston Celtics on Sunday.
Once again, head coach Doc Rivers found himself on the wrong end of a blown 3-2 series lead.
After Game 7, Sixers star James Harden was asked about his relationship with Rivers at this juncture.
Harden’s response was telling.
“Our relationship is okay,” he said.
What makes this situation particularly unique is that Harden is a free agent this summer. And it is becoming increasingly doubtful that Philly will be able to retain him barring major changes occurring.
When Harden was asked what he wants his next opportunity to look like after this season, he didn’t exactly evoke much confidence in his desire to remain a 76er.
“I just want to have a chance to compete,” he replied.
According to ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, there is a very real chance that Harden will opt to return to the Houston Rockets this summer.
.@wojespn says there’s “a very real possibility” that James Harden returns to Houston
“If [the Rockets] win the lottery … and they’re the ones who can draft Victor Wembanyama, my sense is that would not necessarily change the Rockets’ intentions to pursue James Harden.” pic.twitter.com/TvIXpkYxD3
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) May 15, 2023
It is worth remembering, Harden and Rivers haven’t been able to get on the same page for a long time.
In light of that, it’s not outside the realm of possibility that the only thing Philly could really do to retain Harden at this point is change up the coaching situation.
The real reason Harden wants to return to Houston is a matter of public record, but he is also a very malleable personality.
Brittany’s Mother’s Day outfit caused a stir. https://t.co/cEqAG7bSpe
— Game 7 (@game7__) May 15, 2023
If Philly treats him right, there is a very good chance he would come back to them.
Will the 76ers ultimately opt to get rid of Rivers to appease Harden? Time will tell.
Related: NBA Fans React To Ja Morant’s Newest Shoes (Photos)
Jennifer Withers Hoey is a former Business Development Manager who transitioned to writing about sports. With valuable connections all over the West Coast, she has used those contacts to break some of the most interesting stories pertaining to the Portland Trail Blazers, Oregon Ducks, LA Lakers, LA Clippers, Seattle Supersonics (RIP), and more.
