James Harden consistently embraces life’s joys.
During the offseason, James Harden, the standout player for the Philadelphia 76ers, made waves by publicly labeling the president of basketball operations, Daryl Morey, as a “deceiver.” Harden also made it clear that he would refuse to play for any team led by Morey.
Interestingly, at a recent party attended by Harden, a sign bearing the words “Daryl Morey is a liar” was prominently displayed in a video. James also appeared to be grossly out of shape, with the NBA season only three weeks away.
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ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported in August that Philadelphia had abandoned the idea of trading Harden, a decision that appeared to be laying the groundwork for a potentially awkward situation with the discontented star.
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Wojnarowski pointed out that Harden’s discontent stemmed from the absence of a long-term, maximum contract offer during the offseason, which contributed to his frustration with Morey.
The remarks branding Morey as dishonest came in the wake of Wojnarowski’s report, and it appears that the ongoing discord is far from being resolved.
Harden’s presence at the party with the provocative sign adds another layer of potential discomfort within the 76ers’ organization. This is particularly noteworthy considering Harden’s cryptic Instagram post from July, which hinted at underlying tensions.
“Been comfortable for so long,” Harden wrote on his Instagram story. “It’s time to get uncomfortable.”
On paper the Philadelphia 76ers stand as formidable contenders in the Eastern Conference. They boast the reigning MVP, Joel Embiid, a capable supporting cast with players like Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris, and in James Harden, a point guard destined for the Hall of Fame.
Nevertheless, their pursuit of a championship hinges on the 34-year-old Harden’s commitment to the team’s vision and his unwavering dedication on the court. How he navigates the start of the season, should he remain with the 76ers, remains uncertain. However, it’s evident that he maintains reservations about Daryl Morey’s leadership.
Harden has previously faced a $100,000 fine from the NBA for his offseason comments about the president of basketball operations, but that penalty did not deter him from revisiting the topic during his recent social outing.