Sixers’ Joel Embiid on James Harden Missing Practice: ‘Guys Know What It Is’

Veteran guard James Harden decided not to attend practice on Wednesday and he left more than just the 76ers’ front office and coaching staff hanging.

It also impacted his teammates. That includes star center and reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid.

“I didn’t know if anything was going on because he’s been here,” Embiid told reporters. “He wasn’t here today, so obviously I think he probably had something important to do or something came up. But guys know what it is.”

Actually, per Shams Charania of The Athletic, Harden hasn’t been with the team since Sunday, skipping a shootaround and not joining the team for a preseason game vs. the Nets.

Harden is reportedly frustrated the Sixers have failed to come close to a deal that will send him to the Clippers — his requested destination. He demanded a trade in June, immediately after picking up a one-year option worth about $36 million.

Joel Embiid on Harden: “I didn’t know if anything was going on because he’s been here. He wasn’t here today, so obviously I think he probably had something important to do or something came up. But guys know what it is.” pic.twitter.com/Pnhmm7Bpll

— PHLY Sixers (@PHLY_Sixers) October 18, 2023