James Harden remains a member of the 76ers for the time being, but his relationship with the franchise is a tenuous one after a rocky summer where Harden lost trust in team executive Daryl Morey and ultimately requested a trade that has yet to come to fruition.
Harden’s market never materialized this summer, and now he is back practicing with the 76ers in training camp while still having a fractured relationship with team brass. Former 76ers minority owner and close friend of Harden, Michael Rubin, chimed in on the situation on The Pat Bev Podcast with Rone for Barstool Sports that was released on Wednesday.
“It wouldn’t have happened,” Rubin began. “First of all, James is family to me. I’m not going to hide about that. I love James. This thing is breaking my heart. This thing was just not handled well. There’s nobody who wants to win a championship more than James Harden. I know this guy like my brother. People give James a hard time because, you know, he likes to have fun. And it’s bulls—. The guy’s work ethic for basketball is insane. I block out the noise that relates to him because a lot of people just don’t know like the real James Harden and how badly he wants to win. I think he’s in great, not good shape. He’s going to ball out this year,” Rubin added.
James Harden came to camp ready to work 🫡 pic.twitter.com/bljseAAd6L
— Pat Bev Pod (@PatBevPod) October 11, 2023
As Rubin was describing Harden and his work ethic, Beverley continuously chimed in with how great of shape he’s in and how hard he’s been working in 76ers training camp.
“He was playing with us in practice and boy, he was cooking. I’m talking about the pot was out and he was stirring that b---- up,” Beverley said.
There will certainly be more twists and turns to this story, but if Harden commits to playing for the 76ers this season and is playing as well as Beverley and Rubin insinuate, there’s no question that Philadelphia will remain a serious contender in the Eastern Conference with the Bucks and Celtics.
