James Harden created quite a commotion on social media this time after it was revealed that he missed the 76ers practice on Wednesday, just a few days before the NBA season begins.
Shams Charania of The Athletic first reported his jarring absence on X, saying “James Harden is a no-show at Philadelphia 76ers practice today, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Harden has not been present with the team since Sunday.”
James Harden is a no show at Philadelphia 76ers practice today, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Harden has not been present with the team since Sunday.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 18, 2023
He is reportedly back in Houston, just like he was on the day of the NBA media day, as per Yahoo Sports.
Just as he was during the Sixers’ media day, James Harden is in Houston, instead of Philadelphia, for this morning’s team practice, according to league sources. https://t.co/4vSCJEQwjg
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) October 18, 2023
Desperate measures?
Even though there are only eight days until the start of the NBA season, Harden is steadfast in his desire to be traded and may be resorting to desperate means to leave the 76ers. He has missed numerous events recently, including the media day, the first day of training camp, the preseason opener, and now, the practice last Wednesday.
Harden could get fined
But Harden’s frowned upon behavior could very well backfire on him, as reports claimed he could be penalized for skipping games and practices.
ESPN reporter Bobby Marks on X: “James Harden could be subjected to a $389,082 fine for every preseason and regular season game he misses without the consent of the team. The fine would fall under “failure to render services”. There’s also a minimal fine (starting at $2500)for missing practice.”
James Harden could be subjected to a $389,082 fine for every preseason and regular season game he misses without the consent of the team.
The fine would fall under “failure to render services”.
There’s also a minimal fine (starting at $2500)for missing practice.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) October 18, 2023
Harden is now getting a lot of attention on social media because he’s gone from wanting to get traded to having a problem with the league.
Previously, Harden was also fined $100,000 by the NBA just this August for his remarks made toward Daryl Morey, president of basketball operations for the Philadelphia 76ers, during a public event in which he repeatedly called Morey a liar.
The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/j3VZLxgXA5
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) August 22, 2023
James’ contradicted his own statement
His actions today are also in stark contrast to his previous statement at training camp, when he stated that he would put in the necessary effort and perform his duties as a professional.
“I’ve got to make a decision for my family. This is a business. It’s as simple as that. I come in here today and work my butt off and do the things necessary as a professional as I would do and as I have been doing for 15 years,” as per ESPN.
Read More News
Houston Rockets trades problematic Kevin Porter Jr to Thunders
The photo above is from a YouTube screengrab