The timetable for James Harden’s Philadelphia 76ers debut wasn’t specific until after the All-Star break.
Based on the comments from Daryl Morey and Joel Embiid, it looks as if “the plan” will be Friday night’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Morey added fuel to the fire when he sent out this Tweet on Sunday night with a cryptic message to the Sixers’ upcoming opponents.
Find out Friday @Timberwolves https://t.co/T4HteGUN38
— Daryl MorΞy 🗽🏀 (@dmorey) February 21, 2022
Harden had been sidelined with hamstring tightness that kept him out of the final four games of his Brooklyn tenure before he was traded. Despite the ongoing reports from Harden’s frustration to Steve Nash’s attempt to squash rumors of a trade, James made it clear that now that he’s a Sixer, he will do “whatever it takes” to win a championship, according to ABC News.
“It’s a time where I needed to be around guys that I know want to win and know that they are willing to do whatever it takes to win, and the structure here is unbelievable.
“[Winning a title is] the goal, man. That’s the goal. Like Daryl [Morey] said: The opportunity to win is now. Joel is playing the best he’s ever played. So my job is to come out there and help him and help the entire team win a championship this year and in years going forward.”
James Harden on his motivation as he joins the @sixers:
— Lauren Rosen (@LaurenMRosen) February 23, 2022
“I’m turnt, man. I’m excited… I’m a competitor. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to bring a championship to the 76ers and Philly. That’s the main reason I’m here honestly. We’ve got a great opportunity ahead of us.”
Now all eyes will be on Harden to deliver on his promise of winning the first 76ers championship since 1983. After a combination of injuries and other issues derailing his championship plans in Brooklyn, it looks as if the Harden era officially begins on Friday.
