On Wednesday, ten-time All-Star James Harden returned to Philadelphia for the first time since his controversial departure last year. After an underwhelming spell with the 76ers, the Los Angeles Clippers guard may have expected the cold welcome he received from the 21,022 fans in attendance at Wells Fargo Center. From the moment he stepped out on the court, fans booed the 34-year-old vociferously.
Philly fans were initially excited when the organization traded for Harden as part of a deal that saw Ben Simmons, Seth Curry and Andre Drummond go the other way. The move was expected to propel the 76ers to the Eastern Conference Championship. Unfortunately, things did not work out that way. After just 79 games in Philadelphia, and a very public criticism of 76ers’ executive Daryl Morey, Harden was on his way out.
On Wednesday, Harden addressed the jeers and seemed perplexed by the criticism he was receiving from the 76ers fanbase.
“I expected it. I really don’t know what it was about, but I expected it. It is what it is,” said Harden. “I don’t even know why they were booing.”
“I don’t even know why they were booing.” 😅
– James Harden on Sixers fans last night
pic.twitter.com/syt4Oh8tGd— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 28, 2024
The former NBA MVP went on to say he believed he did everything he could do to help the 76ers organization and the city.
When asked by a reporter whether him and Darly Morey could one day make peace, Harden responded with a definitive “No, no, h*** no.”
Led by Paul George’s 22 points, the Clippers went on to defeat the 76ers 108-107 to improve to 45-27 on the season. Harden finished with 16 points, 14 assists and 5 rebounds on the night.
