Introductory press conferences are typically a time for celebration and positive outlooks for the future. But new 76ers head coach Nick Nurse found himself in a slightly awkward situation on Thursday when he was asked point-blank what outcome he was hoping for in the James Harden situation.
Harden, who helped lead Philadelphia to the second round of the playoffs in a postseason performance that featured several high and low moments, has a $35.6 million player option for next season. With rumors swirling that Harden will decline the option and elect free agency—possibly to return to the Rockets—Nurse was asked by a reporter whether or not he wanted Harden to stay in Philadelphia.
His answer wasn’t exactly a definitive one, at least initially.
