Sixers’ James Harden Misses Practice a Second Straight Day

October 19, 2023

Anymore, it’s not all that surprising. The 76ers hold practice and star guard James Harden doesn’t attend.

While speculation persists that Harden is skipping because of frustration that the team has been unable to grant his trade request, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that Harden missed his second straight day “due to a personal matter.”

Harden was also a no-show Wednesday, and as relayed here, has not been with the team since Sunday. He requested a trade, specifically to the Clippers, back in June after picking up a $35.6 million player option.

Harden, 34, reportedly has taken part in just one five-on-five scrimmage at practice since joining the team and has yet to appear in a preseason game.

“I didn’t know if anything was going on because he’s been here,” center Joel Embiid told reporters after Wednesday’s practice. “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.”

Harden averaged 21.0 points, 10.7 assists and 6.1 rebounds in 58 games last season. He referred to president of basketball operations Daryl Morey as a “liar” at an offseason event in China, and has since indicated their relationship is beyond repair.