Surprising Turn Of Events In James Harden Saga On Eve of Season

Some major happenings on the James Harden front on Wednesday, as the Philadelphia 76ers get set to embark on their 2023-24 season on Thursday.

Harden has actually finally reported to the Sixers after 10 days away from camp. But the team has told him to stay home as they leave for a season-opening two-game road trip that begins against the Milwaukee Bucks Thursday night.

James Harden returned to Philadelphia on Tuesday night with his bags packed to join team on the road for Thursday vs. Bucks and Saturday vs. Raptors, but the 76ers have now asked him not to travel with the team, sources said. https://t.co/N7GONkU6l9
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 25, 2023

Harden arrived in Philly "with his bags packed" says Insider Shams Charania, but he will now have to stay behind at the team's practice facility and work with development staff to get the live court action necessary to be ready to play games—sometime after they return from the Milwaukee-Toronto season-opening trip.

Harden missed all of the team's preseason games with his self-imposed holdout. He hasn't been part of any team activities, and as pointed out by Shams, has only taken part in one 5-on-5. Clearly not in shape to play in NBA games at a high level.

There will surely be much more to this story as it continues to unfold.

Photo: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports