PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — James Harden arrived in Philadelphia on Saturday after the Sixers acquired the former MVP in a trade package headlined by Ben Simmons. Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey posted Harden’s arrival on his social media accounts.
— Daryl MorΞy
(@dmorey) February 12, 2022
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it’s a BEAUTIFUL day in Philadelphia!
welcome, @JHarden13.
pic.twitter.com/b9X6gfWC7y
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) February 12, 2022
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The Sixers also got Paul Millsap in the deal and sent Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, and two first-round picks to Brooklyn.
Even though Harden is now in Philadephia, he’s not playing in the Sixers’ game Saturday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He’s currently listed as “out, not with the team.”
Some wondered if Harden would ring the bell before the game against the Cavs, but CBS3’s Pat Gallen has learned he will not.
Hate to be the bearer of bad news, Sixers fans.
I’m told James Harden will NOT be the bell ringer before tonight’s game against the Cavs. Sorry friends!
— Pat Gallen (@PatGallenCBS3) February 12, 2022
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Before the trade, Harden was nursing a hamstring injury, so it’s possible he might not return to the court until after the All-Star Break.
But the team is hopeful that Harden will make his Sixers debut next Tuesday against the Boston Celtics at the Wells Fargo Center. Maybe he rings the bell before that game? We’ll see.
The #Sixers are hopeful that James Harden will make his debut at Tuesday at home against the #Celtics.
— Michael K-B (@therealmikekb) February 12, 2022
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Harden’s numbers are down a bit compared to previous years, but he’s still averaging 22.5 points, 8 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game in 44 contests this season.
Harden and Joel Embiid could be an elite duo that terrorizes defense on a daily basis.