Im Still Ballin
09-08-2023, 01:09 PM
Do you believe these things to be authentic?
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/38335993/inside-feud-james-harden-philadelphia-76ers
THE FIRST HINT that Harden's "sacrifice" wasn't being appreciated, much less rewarded in the way he hoped, came in late January when he wasn't voted to be an All-Star. Harden, who had made 10 consecutive All-Star games, was dismayed at the snub, sources said.
It didn't help that his former Nets teammates Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving had both been voted in as starters by the fans, media and players, while Harden was a distant fourth among Eastern Conference guards behind Irving, Donovan Mitchell and Jaylen Brown.
Still, NBA commissioner Adam Silver was prepared to name him as an injury replacement, sources said. Harden just had to give assurances that he would show up and play in the game.
Days went by without Harden's answer. He was pouting.
By the time Harden sent word that he would accept the invitation, Silver had moved on, naming Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam as the replacement for an injured Durant.
This article claimed that the following things happened:
1. Harden came to Philadelphia with the expectation that he could recreate the success he had with the Houston Rockets, with the belief that Sixers GM Daryl Morey and coach Doc Rivers would support him in achieving that goal.
2. Harden participated in what was portrayed as a "sacrifice" in his contract negotiations by taking a lower salary to facilitate the signing of P.J. Tucker, even though it was suggested that the team was evaluating his worthiness for a maximum contract.
3. There were unspoken mutual recognition and ambiguity regarding Harden's contract and value to the team, which eventually led to tensions and challenges.
4. Harden was disappointed and dismayed when he was not voted to be an NBA All-Star, ending his 10-consecutive All-Star streak. He did not immediately accept an invitation from NBA commissioner Adam Silver to participate in the All-Star Game, leading to Pascal Siakam's selection as an injury replacement.
5. There were instances of friction and disagreements between Harden and coach Doc Rivers, particularly regarding shot selection and Harden's role in the offense. Rivers criticized Harden for his decisions during games.
6. Harden traveled separately from the team to a game against the Miami Heat to enjoy the nightlife, which did not sit well with Rivers and some players. Rivers brought up this issue in a team meeting, making the atmosphere "uncomfortable."
7. Following another disappointing playoff exit, the article suggests that Harden's desire not to play under Rivers again played a role in the coach's dismissal.
8. Harden and his representatives, feeling that Morey was not responsive to their communications, decided to pick up his player option and request a trade rather than waiting for the Sixers' contract offer. Harden is described as taking things personally and being stubborn, especially when he feels wronged.
9. The Clippers and Knicks did not offer the return that the Sixers were seeking, leading to the end of trade talks.
10. The situation is described as a personal matter between Harden and Morey, marked by frustration and perceived wrongdoing.
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/38335993/inside-feud-james-harden-philadelphia-76ers
THE FIRST HINT that Harden's "sacrifice" wasn't being appreciated, much less rewarded in the way he hoped, came in late January when he wasn't voted to be an All-Star. Harden, who had made 10 consecutive All-Star games, was dismayed at the snub, sources said.
It didn't help that his former Nets teammates Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving had both been voted in as starters by the fans, media and players, while Harden was a distant fourth among Eastern Conference guards behind Irving, Donovan Mitchell and Jaylen Brown.
Still, NBA commissioner Adam Silver was prepared to name him as an injury replacement, sources said. Harden just had to give assurances that he would show up and play in the game.
Days went by without Harden's answer. He was pouting.
By the time Harden sent word that he would accept the invitation, Silver had moved on, naming Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam as the replacement for an injured Durant.
This article claimed that the following things happened:
1. Harden came to Philadelphia with the expectation that he could recreate the success he had with the Houston Rockets, with the belief that Sixers GM Daryl Morey and coach Doc Rivers would support him in achieving that goal.
2. Harden participated in what was portrayed as a "sacrifice" in his contract negotiations by taking a lower salary to facilitate the signing of P.J. Tucker, even though it was suggested that the team was evaluating his worthiness for a maximum contract.
3. There were unspoken mutual recognition and ambiguity regarding Harden's contract and value to the team, which eventually led to tensions and challenges.
4. Harden was disappointed and dismayed when he was not voted to be an NBA All-Star, ending his 10-consecutive All-Star streak. He did not immediately accept an invitation from NBA commissioner Adam Silver to participate in the All-Star Game, leading to Pascal Siakam's selection as an injury replacement.
5. There were instances of friction and disagreements between Harden and coach Doc Rivers, particularly regarding shot selection and Harden's role in the offense. Rivers criticized Harden for his decisions during games.
6. Harden traveled separately from the team to a game against the Miami Heat to enjoy the nightlife, which did not sit well with Rivers and some players. Rivers brought up this issue in a team meeting, making the atmosphere "uncomfortable."
7. Following another disappointing playoff exit, the article suggests that Harden's desire not to play under Rivers again played a role in the coach's dismissal.
8. Harden and his representatives, feeling that Morey was not responsive to their communications, decided to pick up his player option and request a trade rather than waiting for the Sixers' contract offer. Harden is described as taking things personally and being stubborn, especially when he feels wronged.
9. The Clippers and Knicks did not offer the return that the Sixers were seeking, leading to the end of trade talks.
10. The situation is described as a personal matter between Harden and Morey, marked by frustration and perceived wrongdoing.