The Philadelphia 76ers are trying to remain an Eastern Conference contender amid turmoil. Guard James Harden appears unlikely to play for the team this season. Harden demanded a trade, called team president Daryl Morey a liar and then skipped out on the final days of practice before the preseason finale.
Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid poses for a photograph during media day at the NBA basketball team’s practice facility, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in Camden, N.J. Philadelphia 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey, left, drives past Brooklyn Nets’ Dorian Finney-Smith, center, and Nic Claxton during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game, Monday, Oct. 16, 2023, in New York.
What to expect: Headaches. The 76ers again reign as Team Turmoil. Only two years removed from watching former No. 1 pick Ben Simmons sit out and cause a roster disruption, the Sixers are at it again with James Harden. All Harden did in the offseason was pick up a $35.6 million contract option only to then demand a trade. When the Sixers couldn’t find a suitor, Harden called team president Daryl Morey a liar and vowed he would never again play for a team run by Morey.
Player to watch: Maxey. Let’s start with the caveat that Embiid is always the player to watch. The season will ultimately rest on which players — if any — they get for Harden and if Embiid can remain at an elite, healthy level. Without Harden, the time is right for Maxey to step into a pivotal scoring role and prove he can become the 2 in the 1-2 scoring punch. The 2020 first-round pick out of Kentucky did have his rookie deal extended so the team can save salary cap space for next season.
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