In a surprising turn of events, James Harden participated fully in the Philadelphia 76ers’ final training camp practice at Colorado State University. This marked the first time Harden had gone through an entire practice since rejoining the team just a few days ago. Despite this positive development, there are still uncertainties surrounding Harden’s involvement as the 76ers prepare to face the Boston Celtics in their preseason opener.
As the 76ers fly straight from Fort Collins to Boston, it remains unclear whether Harden will be available for Sunday night’s game. Coach Nick Nurse admitted that several players, including Harden, are still ramping up their activity levels. With this in mind, Nurse couldn’t provide a definitive answer regarding Harden’s participation. The team will assess their players’ readiness after another day of practice in Boston, which promises to be physically demanding.
Slow Integration into the Team
Since his return to practice, Harden has opted to keep a low profile and has yet to speak to reporters. However, his extended shooting session with fellow guard Tyrese Maxey after Friday’s practice signaled a step towards active involvement. Nurse acknowledged that he still doesn’t have a clear understanding of how the team will look against the Celtics. In light of this uncertainty, Nurse plans to experiment with different lineups and rotations during the flight to Boston. The first game of the preseason is often a time to communicate with players, assess their conditioning, and determine their readiness for significant minutes.
While the past few days have been drama-free for the 76ers and Harden, it’s impossible to ignore the unconventional circumstances surrounding the star player. Harden initially requested a trade back in June, creating tension within the team. He publicly criticized Daryl Morey, the team’s president of basketball operations, and missed essential team events. However, since returning to the court, Harden has seemingly blended in seamlessly with his teammates. The 76ers are cautiously optimistic about the current state of affairs after their first few days of practice together.
Embracing the Training Camp Experience
Training camp is an opportunity for the team to come together, establish camaraderie, and set the tone for the rest of the season. Veteran player P.J. Tucker expressed enthusiasm about the energy and dynamics of the camp. Young players bring fresh energy, while the experienced players relish the chance to reconnect and get back into the swing of things. Overall, the team had a positive experience during their time at Colorado State University.
The Philadelphia 76ers find themselves in a unique situation with James Harden. Despite the uncertainties surrounding his participation, the team remains optimistic and focused on their preseason opener against the Boston Celtics. The integration of Harden into the team has been smoother than anticipated, and the training camp has served as a platform for players to build chemistry and prepare for the upcoming season. Only time will tell how this partnership evolves, but for now, the 76ers are embracing the opportunity for a fresh start with James Harden.
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