USA Today via Reuters
May 1, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden (1) in the second half during game one of the 2023 NBA playoffs against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports | Courtesy: Reuters
USA Today via Reuters
May 1, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden (1) in the second half during game one of the 2023 NBA playoffs against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports | Courtesy: Reuters
The Philadelphia 76ers have turned out to be one of the biggest disappointments of this year. Although the roster boasts superstars like Joel Embiid and James Harden, the Sixers failed to make it past the second round of the 2022-23 NBA playoffs. Following their humiliating and heartbreaking game 7 loss at the hands of Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics, the team front office was forced to play its hand and has taken a major decision.
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According to reports, the Sixers have sacked their head coach Doc Rivers and this decision might have just been influenced by Harden.
Sixers sack Doc Rivers amidst Harden’s uncertainty
The Philadelphia 76ers have failed to make it past the second round of the playoffs for the second consecutive season. Despite having an impressive late-season run, the team failed to perform when it mattered the most.
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NBA, Basketball Herren, USA Orlando Magic at Philadelphia 76ers Feb 1, 2023 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden 1 and center Joel Embiid 21 talks during a break in the fourth quarter against the Orlando Magic at Wells Fargo Center. Philadelphia Wells Fargo Center Pennsylvania USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xBillxStreicherx 20230201_bs_sq4_0923
As a result of two shocking playoff exits, Doc Rivers has been sacked according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. This comes just days after the Celtics beat the Sixers 112-88.
Jayson Tatum, who was one of the MVP frontrunners alongside Embiid, had 51 points for the night! This happens to be the most points scored in game 7. While the entire team struggled, Harden faced the brunt of the fans and media.
Philadelphia has dismissed head coach Doc Rivers, per @wojespn pic.twitter.com/u8igeakCNL
— NBA TV (@NBATV) May 16, 2023
He had a dismal shooting night and Embiid didn’t look like his usual self. Interestingly, there have been reports which suggest that Harden might leave the Sixers soon.
Just a few hours after the game 7 loss, it was reported that the 2018 MVP is serious about returning back to the Houston Rockets. There have, however, been no concrete reports as of yet.
Rivers’ sacking might tie down James Harden
10-time NBA All-Star Harden and Doc Rivers did not have the best of relationships. Ramona Shelburne of ESPN reported, “I think behind the scenes, from what I’m told, one person said ‘It would be hard for me to see James wanting to come back to play for Doc again.'”
According to @ramonashelburne James Harden coming back to the Sixers would depend on Doc Rivers as coach.
— Crossing Broad (@CrossingBroad) May 15, 2023
“Behind the scenes, from what I’m told, one person said to me it would be hard for me to see James wanting to come back and play for Doc again.” pic.twitter.com/RRTcwOcJLT
Harden is a free agent in the offseason. Considering that the Sixers have already sacked Doc Rivers, The Beard might just sign the contract extension. His interest in returning back to the Houston Rockets, however, might pose to be a roadblock.
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Do you think James Harden will play for the Philadelphia 76ers? Let us know in the comments below.
Written by
Edited by
Jayant Chhabra