Philadelphia 76ers coach Nick Nurse announced that James Harden had fully participated in the team’s final training camp practice at Colorado State University. This marked a significant development, as it was the first time Harden had gone through the entirety of practice since rejoining the team on Tuesday evening. However, what lies ahead for Harden remains uncertain. The 76ers are set to travel to Boston, where they will open the preseason against the Celtics. Nurse stated that Harden, along with several teammates, is still in the process of ramping up their activity levels, making it unclear who will be available for Sunday’s game.
Will Harden Play?
When questioned about Harden’s potential participation in Sunday’s game against the Celtics, Nurse admitted, “I do not know.” He explained that the team is still working on gradually increasing the activity levels of various players, including Harden. With a training camp practice scheduled for the next day in Boston, Nurse emphasized the importance of continued hard work and competition. He expressed the need to assess each player’s condition following the practice before making a decision on their involvement in the upcoming matchup.
Harden, who has not addressed the media since his return to practice, engaged in an extended shooting session after Friday’s practice with fellow guard Tyrese Maxey. The media had limited visibility of Harden over the past two days, making this session a rare occurrence. Nurse acknowledged that he currently has limited insight into what the team dynamic will look like against the Celtics. He revealed his intention to experiment with different lineups and rotations during the team’s flight to Boston. Nurse emphasized that the situation remains fluid, with factors such as player communication, conditioning, and readiness all playing a role in determining playing time.
A Surprisingly Drama-Free Environment
In contrast to the turbulence that surrounded Harden’s trade request back in June, the past three days with the 76ers have been relatively uneventful. Harden’s return to the court has been met with little fanfare, and there have been no notable incidents. The 76ers have successfully completed three drama-free practices since his return. However, it is crucial to note that this situation is far from ordinary. Prior to joining the 76ers, Harden publicly criticized Daryl Morey, the team’s president of basketball operations, whom he had been associated with since his time with the Houston Rockets. Despite missing media day and the opening practice, Harden has since been a cooperative presence within the team.
As the 76ers concluded their training camp at Colorado State University, they expressed satisfaction with their progress during the opening days of practice. P.J. Tucker acknowledged the positive energy within the team, describing training camp as “fun” and “interesting.” Veterans found the opportunity to reconnect and build chemistry, while the younger players infused the team with energy. Overall, the atmosphere was conducive to productive practices, and the team felt optimistic about their prospects moving forward.
The uncertainty surrounding James Harden’s role in the Philadelphia 76ers preseason has added intrigue to the team’s preparations. While Harden’s full participation in training camp practices is a positive development, questions remain regarding his availability for the game against the Celtics. Coach Nurse expects further evaluation of players’ conditions and needs before making definitive decisions. Despite the turbulent nature of Harden’s trade request and past comments, his return to the 76ers has been surprisingly drama-free. As the team leaves Colorado State University, they do so with a sense of optimism, having built a positive foundation during their initial days together. The upcoming preseason game against the Celtics will provide valuable insight into the team’s progress and the role James Harden will play in their future success.
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