Joel Embiid recently opened up about the emotional difficulties he has faced after losing contact with James Harden, his former teammate with the Philadelphia 76ers. Their partnership had shown great promise, and Embiid highlighted the importance of the bond they once shared as a key component of the team‘s potential. However, Harden’s recent trade to the Los Angeles Clippers has closed the door on their friendship, creating a painful rift.
During the 2022-23 NBA season, Embiid delivered an outstanding performance, averaging 33.1 points per game and securing the MVP award along with his second straight scoring title. Harden, meanwhile, led the league in assists with an average of 10.7 per game, contributing greatly to the team’s offense. Despite their individual achievements, the Sixers were unable to advance beyond the Eastern Conference semi-finals, falling to the Boston Celtics in a tight seven-game series after sweeping the Brooklyn Nets in the first round.
Challenges Within the Sixers Following Harden’s Departure and Team Changes
Harden’s move to the Clippers was the latest in a series of disruptive exits for the Sixers, following the departures of Jimmy Butler and Ben Simmons. Moreover, head coach Doc Rivers was also fired after the season’s conclusion, signaling major upheaval within the franchise. Embiid expressed disappointment about Harden’s silence after these changes and the trade, indicating a strain in their relationship.
“No one knows this, but even James [Harden] is not talking to me,”
Embiid revealed, adding that being labeled as “that guy” sometimes puts him in difficult positions where others assume he has influence over trades or firings.
Embiid’s Belief in Team Continuity and Frustrations Over Misplaced Blame
Embiid stressed the significance of maintaining continuity within the team, rather than rebuilding from scratch every season.
“I kept going back to it, the continuity,”
he told ESPN. For him, a team with potential should focus on growth and development instead of constant resets triggered by roster turnover.
Reflecting on his split with Harden, Embiid expressed frustration at the assumptions suggesting he played a role in Harden’s exit.
“I won the scoring title. You won the assists title. We had a pick-and-roll that was unstoppable,”
Embiid stated, emphasizing that their successful collaboration should have been a foundation to build on rather than a reason for division.
He also clarified his approach to team decisions, insisting he has never wanted to be responsible for others losing jobs or being traded.
“I always told myself I will never be responsible for someone losing their job, someone getting traded, someone getting fired,”
Embiid said. He prefers to stay clear of involvement in signings and trades to avoid creating conflicts and misunderstandings.
Impact on Embiid and the 76ers Moving Forward Amid Roster Instability
This rupture between Embiid and Harden highlights ongoing challenges for the 76ers as they wrestle with frequent changes to their lineup and leadership. The loss of key players and coaching staff forces the team to continually adapt, testing their ability to maintain cohesion and compete at a high level. Embiid’s candid reflections reveal the emotional toll these transitions take on players and underline the importance of stability in achieving lasting success.
As the Sixers prepare for the future, how they manage relationships and team continuity will likely be critical. Embiid’s determination to persevere amid adversity signals his commitment to overcoming these hurdles, even as the scars of fractured friendships linger.