Sixers Experience Drama-Free Day as James Harden Hits Practice Court

Everyone was wondering what might happen when James Harden finally hit training camp with the rest of his 76ers teammates.

Well, here’s the answer — nothing.

At least, nothing out of the ordinary, per Tim Bontemps of ESPN. Instead, it was business as usual, and reports suggest that Harden was fully engaged.

Harden demanded a trade and was expected to make things uncomfortable when he did arrive at Colorado State University, where the Sixers are practicing. But he seemingly did not take it that far on his first day back with the team.

“We’re all grown men here,” forward Tobias Harris told reporters. “Everybody understands the business of the game of basketball at this point. Personally, he doesn’t have to address myself or anybody, truthfully.

“But his participation, in my opinion, is addressing that. He’s here, and his attitude and energy today allowed everybody to understand that he wants to go out here and compete with us and get stuff done. In my opinion, that’s all, really, that matters, is his energy and effort towards myself and all our teammates.”

Either way, Harden still is believed to be seeking a trade, and team president Daryl Morey is still believed to be only half-heartedly looking for one.

As is always the case with these situations, Harris is right — it’s a business, it’s basketball, and it can be unpredictable.

We have tons more on Harden on our Sixers page.