Kofi Inkoom
As per the latest updates from the 76ers’ camp, James Harden is preparing to rejoin the team’s practice on Tuesday as a crucial step in his process of reintegrating back into the team, reports Keith Pompey of the Philly Inquirer.
James Harden, 34, had been absent for 10 days and was initially unable to travel with the team for the first two away games at the beginning of the season.
However, he made his return to the bench during the 76ers’ home opener, where they convincingly defeated the Trail Blazers.
James Harden is in the building pic.twitter.com/f5OFD4gACc
— Pat Bev Pod (@PatBevPod) October 29, 2023
Coach Nick Nurse mentioned that Harden has been making progress in his conditioning, and the plan is to have him back in practice on Tuesday as part of the ongoing ramp-up process.
“He had some good conditioning days,” Nick Nurse told reporters. “He’s still in the ramp-up process, looking to have him back in practice on Tuesday. That’s about where we are with that.”
It’s worth noting that Harden had expressed a desire to be traded to the Clippers back in June, but negotiations reportedly never came close to a deal. Trade talks with the Clippers have since been put on hold.
For the time being, Harden remains a Sixer, and it seems he might be coming to terms with this reality. The future remains uncertain, and where things go from here is anyone’s guess.
Nurse expressed optimism about Harden’s physical condition and the need to get him involved in live action.
“The signs are positive condition-wise and all those things…….We just need to get him in some live action. Hopefully, we can do that Tuesday.”
As of now, there’s no set timetable for Harden’s season debut with the Sixers, but his integration into the team is already in progress.
If Tuesday’s practice goes well, there’s a good chance we’ll see him in action on Tuesday night against the Raptors.