James Harden’s recent public critique of 76ers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey, labeling him a “liar,” has stirred up conversations across the NBA landscape.
Harden’s remarks were fueled by Morey’s alleged failure to deliver on a promised contract extension for the former league MVP.
Adding to the discourse, former NBA player and coach Sam Mitchell provided his perspective on the matter, suggesting that Harden’s playoff performance might have further complicated his situation.
“James needs to look and see how he played,” Mitchell said on SiriusXM NBA Radio. “I can promise you the world, but as a coach and as a player, I can say to you as a coach ‘Look, man, you ballin’ out for me. When it’s time for your contract at the end of the year, I’m going to be there fighting for you.’
“Now, I said that, but you got to give me something to fight with! If you play in the playoffs, Joel Embiid averaged 20 points a game and you averaged 12 and you have one of the worst playoffs of your career. What do I have to go in there and fight with the owner with? I think James [Harden] made it tough by how he played, especially in Game 7.”
