Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden showed up to the team’s practice facility in Camden, New Jersey, on Wednesday, much to the team’s surprise. He had been away for the prior 10 days to tend to a personal matter—an excused absence. During a light shooting session, Harden was approached by team officials. He was told it would be beneficial for him to remain in Philadelphia to continue the ramp-up process as opposed to going with the team on their two-game road trip starting with the season opener against the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night, league sources tell Bleacher Report.
Harden had returned with the intention of reacclimating himself with the team, knowing assistant coach Rico Hines—his primary workout trainer—would be traveling along with the rest of the supporting staff, sources say. Initially, staying back was interpreted as a suggestion rather than a mandate, sources say. Harden proceeded to participate in portions of the session with the intention of joining the the team on the flight to Milwaukee that afternoon. After practice, Harden arrived at the fixed-base operator airport to board the team flight, but he was stopped by a security official who notified him that he was not permitted to accompany the team, sources say.
General manager Elton Brand and head coach Nick Nurse spoke to Harden to explain that the organization prefers he accepts and follows their workout plan, which includes staying at the practice facility while the team is away, sources say. It was expounded that the workout program includes monitoring his measurables and speed with their tracking system, which is located at the facility. The Sixers’ two-way players would also be staying back in Philadelphia with Harden, as well as a trainer with whom he regularly works. Harden, frustrated, departed the airport without further incident, sources say. – via Chris Haynes @ Bleacher Report
Topic: 2024 NBA Season and Playoffs (Read 969353 times)