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“They Were Embarrassed”: James Harden’s Midnight Trade to Clippers Draws Hilarious Take From Bill Simmons

Published 10/31/2023, 9:41 PM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

In less than 10 days into the new season, a long-standing drama has come to its conclusion. James Harden is now officially bound for the Los Angeles Clippers, marking a compromise reached by both teams. The initial breaking news regarding Harden’s trade was disclosed by ESPN’s insider, Adrian Wojnarowski. As per the report, the Sixers are sending three players, including Harden to LA. In return, they will acquire five players along with significant draft picks.

Adding to the insight, Chris Haynes indicates that trade discussions took place over the weekend, involving the direct participation from Sixers ownership. While numerous formalities are still pending, James Harden and PJ Tucker have already made their presence felt in Los Angeles.

Bill Simmons trashes Clippers and James Harden

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During the recent The Bill Simmons Podcast, The Ringer’s figure talked about the James Harden trade before shifting the conversation towards the NFL.

Right from the start, Simmons playfully ridiculed the Los Angeles Clippers with a humorous comment. Given the trade’s late-night culmination, Simmons remarked, “They were embarrassed by this trade. And they should be, because they are the Clippers.” 

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In the wake of his remarks, Simmons highlighted the Clippers’ historical lack of NBA Finals appearances. Furthermore, he criticized their streak of unfortunate events, including injuries, managerial mishaps, excessive load management, and startling playoff eliminations.

Additionally, he also emphasized that they were trading for a player with a questionable reputation from his previous three teams.

Moreover, Simmons firmly expressed that Harden’s addition will only the Clippers through the initial playoff rounds; not into contention for an NBA championship.

Despite controversies, it is a happy ending for Philly

It’s Halloween, and James Harden has returned to his hometown. So far, there was a fair amount of fear circulating in the Philadelphia 76ers‘ world. However, they have successfully addressed the most significant one. With James Harden’s departure, the Sixers can now fully shift their focus to on-court happenings. As a result, the less intense atmosphere can aid their new coach, Nick Nurse, in cultivating a team’s new culture.

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James Harden Clippers Debut: When Will Ex-MVP Land in LA and Be Game Ready? All the Post-Trade Details You Need to Know

Additionally, the vacant leadership spot allows Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid to begin start harmonizing for the long haul. After all, it is something that fans have long anticipated. In the recent past, Maxey has been labeled as the next leader after James Harden. So far in the season, he has not disappointed.

Over the first three games, Tyrese Maxey is putting up impressive numbers. He is averaging 30.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and nearly 6 assists. Furthermore, his efficiency is off the charts, shooting 56% from the arc and an overall 68.8% true shooting percentage.

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Watch This Story – Staring Down the Barrel of $1.5 Million Blow, James Harden’s “Unexcused Absence” Is “Only the Beginning” in 76ers Drama, per Veteran Analyst

With his numbers, Maxey has quickly adapted to Nick Nurse’s strategies. and showcased early chemistry with Embiid. Furthermore, he has taken on a larger role for Philly, and it seems to be working. Adding to Maxey’s support is the reigning MVP, Joel Embiid, who has also assumed a playmaking role for the squad.

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Written by:

Saahil Dhillan

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Saahil Dhillan is an NBA Writer at Essentially Sports. He has been writing articles and blogs for 5 years now, including those for a sports brand that manufactures knee braces, for a Red Bull athlete in 2019 and for a documentary of an Ultra Running Coach in 2021. There’s plenty Saahil can write about why he likes basketball, having followed the NBA for more than 10 years, but he is most keen on picking out various offense/defense strategies, on/off-court decisions, roster changes in crunch time and other underrated key elements that leave an impact on the scoreboard.
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Edited by:

Aayush Kapoor