Head coach Nick Nurse is determined to prevent James Harden‘s standoff with Sixers management from becoming a distraction as he prepares the team for the start of the season, writes Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Harden went through all of training camp without incident, but was held out of Sunday’s preseason opener. With his trade request still looming, Nurse and the rest of his players aren’t sure if Harden will be on the roster when the season tips off in two weeks.
“I think that we knew (that) in the interview process, and the whole time James was a free agent,” Nurse said. “They talked to me, ‘How do you feel about if he’s here or if he isn’t?’ He certainly could have turned down his option and gone somewhere else. That was a possibility. But, like, you know my job is (to) work together with the front office. I believe in those guys. They got a track record of bringing in players, putting good teams together and my job is to coach the guys that are there. And that’s what I will do.”
Pompey notes that Nurse had other opportunities after his success in Toronto, as he interviewed with the Bucks and Suns and was considered the leading candidate for both jobs. Those teams are considered title contenders after major offseason acquisitions, but Nurse didn’t mind accepting the challenges in Philadelphia.
“I’ve got a job to do, and sometimes that job has a few things you’ve got to work through,” he said. “It’s not perfect on a lot of professional sports teams, right? You are paid to work through some things. That’s what we are trying to do.”
There’s more from the Atlantic Division:
- Nets coach Jacque Vaughn plans to use more drop coverage this season, which could mean a larger role for backup center Day’Ron Sharpe, according to Brian Lewis of The New York Post. The change in philosophy, plus having another big man on the court, could solve Brooklyn’s long-standing problems with rebounding. “When we switch 1-through-5 … it wasn’t so much Nic (Claxton) or I was getting cooked every play,” Sharpe said. “It was more so we’re out on the perimeter, they’re shooting the ball, the other guys (are) down there getting the rebounds. So, personally, I like to drop better. I like getting boards, I like being physical. And I don’t like when I feel like my matchup is killing me, either. So at the end of the day, I feel like it’s going to help us a lot.”
- After spending last season with the Lakers, Lonnie Walker will face his former team Monday night as he tries to earn a spot in the Nets‘ rotation, Lewis adds in a separate story. Vaughn said he wants to see Walker attack the rim and stretch the floor with his outside shooting.
- Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau admits it will be a “tough call” to make the final roster cuts, per Stefan Bondy of The New York Post. Bondy examines the candidates who will be fighting for spots throughout the preseason.
Harden should have hired a better agent. One that isn’t delusional about him being an MVP candidate this coming year. He wasn’t offered a deal by the Rockets, and apparently had zero viable offers elsewhere, otherwise he would not have opted in.
Morey’s message has been crystal clear this offseason – preserve cap space for the 24-25 season to surround Joel Embiid (actual MVP) with a title contending supporting cast.
If the Sixer’s 2nd best player (Maxey) didn’t get a contract extension with the aforementioned plan taking precedent, why would James get one? Especially if Morey was bidding against himself.
He should have an agent that explained the reality to him and what his best possible options were.
Going out and putting Morey on blast, not something the next team’s front office would want to deal with and will certainly limit his options moving forward.
His best option was, and still is to just show-up in shape and ready to play. He puts up 21pts and 11 assists again, he would have been in-line for another multi-year contract ala Kyle Lowry (3/85M) or Chris Paul (3/84M guaranteed). Sixers have only had 1 significant FA signing in the last 10 years – JJ Reddick, who was just a role player if we’re being honest and way overpaid to come in. They have not added anyone significant via FA during the “Process”. Sixers will have around 60-70M in Cap Space, depending on what they do with Cap Holds and PJ Tucker. Best FAs just don’t come to Philly.
Which, leads me to the main point that James Harden was 99% likely to be re-upped next year after the Sixers whiffed on top FAs.
Now? Is anyone offering him more than 3 years at the MLE?
Poll:
1. Unsigned
2. Vet Min
3. MLE
4. 1yr Contract > MLE
5. Multi-yr Contract > MLE
I think ultimately, option 3, someone uses their MLE on him.
Is James Harden washed up or not?
Is Joel Embiid the “actual 2023 MVP”?
Will Joel become disgruntled if the “Process” continues?
Who will attract quality free agents first NY or Philly?
Is Tobias Harris the highest paid non all star in the league?
Harden washed? Clearly not. But he’s 34 and players can fall off a cliff season to season.
Is Joel the actual MVP? Yea, he won the award, pretty clear. Whatever happens in he Postseason doesn’t matter, it’s a Regular season award. Joker did he same stat padding tactics that Westbrook was doing to keep his assists up. It’s harder to stat pad scoring. Sure you can get fed the rock, but you actually have to score. Grabbing a rebound or continuing to just pass off to teammates is easier.
Sixers already sat down with Joel from reports to discuss this plan.
Knicks have 9M in practical cap space (Spotrac) next year vs 66M for the Sixers….. so Sixers without pulling off a S&T.
Highest Paid Non-All Star? Tobias? To have never made it? Probably Yes – Don’t know about guys who’s contracts came up in the last few years. However if you’re going buy guys making more than Tobias currently – Kawhi, Beal, and AD haven’t made it in 2 years. Klay since 18-19. Rudy, Trae, LaVine and FVV missed last year. They all make more than Tobias.
Tobias is also a 4th option on the Sixers. Everyone else listed was #1 or #2 option on their team except for Rudy. Also, he max goes up every year, so like “highest paid” for now. There will be guys that get a max and never make it. MPJ comes to mind – similar situation 3rd or 4th option. But more guys keep getting in as alternates.
Sharpe wouldn’t like playing for Monty Williams. PG switch and go guard the PG while everyone else is pretending to rebound. Poor Wiseman, went from Kerr to this horrible overpaid coach
Kerr ?? the coach who wouldn’t play him.
I want to see how Roby looks. Tonight against Celtics. Grimes, Roby have to be hungry.