The Philadelphia 76ers were one of the favorites to win the 2022 NBA Championship. Earlier, it was because of the phenomenal season that Joel Embiid was having. Later on, the addition of James Harden shifted the odds heavily in favor of the 76ers.
Come playoff time, they looked in great form and defeated the Toronto Raptors in the opening round. But their true test of skill came against the top seeded Miami Heat in Round 2.
The Heat dominated the 76ers and finished the series in six games. Although the 76ers looked like they could make a comeback, Jimmy Butler and co. took care of business. Now, once again, the focus of the media is on none other than James Harden.
The Beard could have had a better regular season and the postseason in order to help the 76ers qualify for the Eastern Conference Finals. After losing the game, he was bombarded with questions by the media. Harden gave answers to most of them, like his thoughts on opting in for his $47 million player option, but dodged the question about his head coach Doc Rivers:
“James Harden on his $47 million player option: ‘I’ll be here. Whatever allows this team to continue grow, get better and do the things necessary to compete at the highest level.’
“Harden said the ball didn’t get to him. Asked if Doc Rivers called plays for him: ‘Next question.'”
James Harden on his $47 million player option: "I'll be here. Whatever allows this team to continue grow, get better and do the things necessary to compete at the highest level."
Harden said the ball didn't get to him. Asked if Doc Rivers called plays for him: "Next question." pic.twitter.com/AisZhcfnC2
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) May 13, 2022
Over the last few seasons, Harden has built a reputation of being hard to work with. He forced his way out of the Houston Rockets to join the Brooklyn Nets. But when he was struggling to perform at an elite level there, he joined the Philadelphia 76ers.
Hopefully, Harden can find a way to make things work with the 76ers and sort out the troubles, if he has any, with Doc Rivers. Here is the video of Harden’s entire postgame interview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GCR1fSFhl0
