76ers: Is James Harden Still on Pace to Make Debut This Week?

*UPDATE: James Harden misses practice on Wednesday. The veteran guard was not in attendance due to non-injury or illness-related reasons. READ MORE

James Harden’s been an active participant in practice for the Philadelphia 76ers since he returned to the team on October 4. However, he has yet to participate in a game.

While Harden’s presence at practice has been distraction-free and even pleasantly positive, according to some of his teammates who touched on the situation, there hasn’t been a change of heart.

Harden still wants to land a trade to the Los Angeles Clippers.

The ten-time All-Star made that much clear when he spoke to reporters for the first time last week. Making it clear that the situation with the front office cannot be repaired, Harden remains disgruntled in his situation with the Sixers.

James Harden Wanted to 'Retire' in Philly

And while Harden’s on good terms with his teammates and is even a fan of the new coaching staff, he’s still hoping for a move sooner rather than later. While he doesn’t have a change of scenery just yet, Harden figures he’ll have to play at some point.

Through three preseason games, Harden hasn’t suited up. Last Friday, he mentioned he was targeting a return to the court to make his preseason debut against the Atlanta Hawks next week.

“I’ll ramp it up and try to play the last one just to get in game situations and used to the physicality of defenders bumping you and whatnot and the speed and tempo and all that good stuff, so I think we got a good plan in place,” Harden explained.

With the Brooklyn Nets matchup in the rearview and the battle against the Hawks now two days away, is Harden’s plan still in place? According to Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fisher, there “remains a belief” that Harden will make his debut on Friday.

“There remains a belief Harden will make his season debut during Philadelphia’s final exhibition on Friday against Atlanta. And yet he remains unwavering in his desire to join the Clippers, according to league sources.”

Playing for a team amidst an active trade request is nothing out of the ordinary for Harden. During his final days with the Houston Rockets, Harden not only played in the preseason but also appeared in a handful of regular season games as well.

While it’s unclear when Harden felt he wanted to push himself away from the Brooklyn Nets in 2022, he still played more than half the season in Brooklyn that year.

The good news for the Sixers is that Harden hasn’t reached a level where he’s become a distraction to the team. As long as they remain engaged in trade discussions with the Clippers, looking to resolve the situation in the only way Harden desires, the Sixers could have Harden on the floor for a portion of the season as the negotiations are ongoing.

Friday should be the first set of action Harden takes on in the Sixers’ new system, barring any unexpected changes at this point.