As Reunion With Rockets Looms, James Harden Enters Off-Season Full Of Uncertainty
HOUSTON — The Philadelphia 76ers' season came to an embarrassing end with James Harden at the helm Sunday afternoon. The 76ers sustained a 112-88 Game 7 defeat to the Boston Celtics inside TD Garden. And with the loss, Philadelphia was eliminated from post-season contention.
Harden had arguably the worst post-season performance of his career. He finished the game with nine points on 3-for-11 shooting, 1-for-5 from deep, six rebounds, seven assists and five turnovers.
Harden admitted he was terrible and agreed with coach Doc Rivers that their defeat in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals diminished the 54-28 regular season success the 76ers experienced.
There is plenty of uncertainty the 76ers are facing entering the summer. And since December, ESPN was the first to report Harden's interest in returning to the Houston Rockets this off-season.
Harden said he has not thought about his future, but he believes the 76ers still have a chance to win.
"We are a really good team," Harden said. "We were just a couple shots away from being in the Eastern Conference Finals...I feel like we have a solid team. Every off-season you look to get better, whether with the personnel you have now or just by adding pieces. We will see how this one goes."
Harden signed a two-year $68.6 million contract with the Sixers in June but could re-enter free agency in July.
His future with the 76ers was a fluid situation. One of the most significant factors that would determine Harden's future in Philadelphia was post-season success and whether or not he could land a long-term contract with the franchise.
He will be eligible to sign a four-year deal worth over $200 million if he chooses to re-sign with the 76ers. But Harden can also choose to pick-up his players option for the 2023-24 campaign worth $35.6 million.
Harden led the league in assists for the second time in his career. He averaged 10.7 assists across 58 games while scoring 21.0 points during his first full season in Philadelphia.
Harden expressed the yearning for his first championship title following the loss. But the 10-time All-Star has also expressed his admiration for the Rockets' young corps and the City of Houston — which he describes as home.
The Rockets traded Harden to the Brooklyn Nets in January of 2021. And Houston has since added a young corps of talent headlined by Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr., Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr.
"I just want to have a chance to compete," Harden said. "We played against the team who’s been together for quite a few years now. They were in The Finals last year, so you kind of know what it takes to get back there... I still believe we got the chance to win. We got what it takes to win."
Harden played nine seasons for the Rockets following his departure from the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2012. He averaged 29.6 points, 7.7 assists and 6.0 rebounds in 621 games. Harden won his lone MVP award in 2018 after leading the Rockets to a 65-17 record.
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