After a tumultuous offseason marked by trade demands and public disputes, James Harden finally returned to the Philadelphia 76ers for his first practice.
Despite the high tensions surrounding his situation, NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the first day back was surprisingly anti-climactic.
He provided insights into Harden’s return, highlighting that it appeared more routine than sensational.
“Largely anti-climatic and that was a good thing for the Philadelphia 76ers,” Wojnarowski said. “James Harden showed up, he got dressed, he stretched and he practiced. He talked with his coaches, he talked with officials around the team.
“I think largely like any other player who was just arriving. But he isn’t just any other player and certainly people were watching closely in practice wanting to see what it would look like. But I was told it was drama-free.”
The Sixers seemed relieved that the day proceeded without drama. Harden’s arrival was a topic of keen interest, given his history and the recent controversies.
“James Harden went in and sort of went at the speed of a first day of NBA training camp. The question is going to be what he does the second day look like, what does the third day look like,” Woj continued.
“But for day one, the arrival of James Harden, he practiced, played with his teammates, started to get to know a new head coach in Nick Nurse and went on his way.”
