“He wants the group to be at its best…He’s a very good guy as a person” – Philadelphia 76ers power forward describes James Harden as an emerging leader for the team, says he strives for team bonding
James Harden has shown his commitment to the Philadelphia 76ers in different ways. For one, he took a pay cut this offseason so his team can retool effectively. His teammate and power forward Tobias Harris had good things to say about him recently. According to Sixers beat writer Keith Pompey, Harris said:
"He wants the group to be at its best. He always wants guys to get together and kind of hang out and spend time with one another. He’s a very good guy as a person. So, part of that is just him, trying to make sure we’re always together as a group.”
Tobias Harris:“He wants the group to be at its best. He always wants guys to get together and kind of hang out and spend time with one another..."
James Harden taking lead role in second season with the #Sixers — on and off the court inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-… via @phillyinquirer
Harden joined the Sixers halfway through last season after expressing his desire to leave the Brooklyn Nets. On trade deadline, he was traded for Ben Simmons.
In his first five games as a Sixer, Harden was flying. Unfortunately, his form dipped and he started to struggle come postseason time.
Nonetheless, he remains committed to Philly and has been more vocal in the locker room, which his teammates acknowledge.
James Harden says he hasn't received proper credit for his selflessness after signing a team-friendly deal with the Sixers
"Nope, but guess what? I don’t care"
(via @joevardon) https://t.co/nx5XAPbZVo
Harden's decision to take a paycut allowed the Sixers to bring in PJ Tucker. Tucker won the championship with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021 and reached the conference finals with the Miami Heat last campaign. He is someone who improves defenses wherever he goes and has also played with Harden during their time in Houston.
James Harden is willing to sacrifice more to help the team win
James Harden gave up about $15 million to help the Sixers acquire another talent. However, he is willing to do a lot more on the court. The former MVP accepts that he has exceptional players around him and needs to know when to allow others to make plays. He said (via, The Philadelphia Inquirer):
"We have, obviously, who should have been MVP last year in Joel Embiid. We got a young star in Tyrese. We got Tobias. So I got to sacrifice in the sense like knowing when to be aggressive and when not to."
Throughout his career, Harden has been a ball dominant player, but things may be different this season with emerging star Tyrese Maxey in the team.
James Harden added that he is willing to make the sacrifices to win a championship in Philly:
"I just want to win at the highest level. That’s the only thing at this point of my career that I’m doing. I’m willing to sacrifice and do whatever it takes as far as this team and organization needs.
“So the only thing I got left to do is to win. So however that comes, that’s how it’s going to be."
In 21 games for the 76ers last season, Harden averaged 21.0 points, 7.1 rebounds and 10.5 assists per game.
The Sixers kick off the 2022-23 season against the reigning Eastern Conference champions, the Boston Celtics, on Oct. 19.