“His Mother Being Sick Is True”: James Harden’s Unexplained Absence From 76ers Practice Sheds Light On His Personal Life

James Harden has created quite a chaotic situation in Philadelphia. Earlier in the summer, Harden went a bit rogue and slammed the 76ers franchise. While on his trip to China, the 2018 Most Valuable Player went on a passionate rant, putting it pretty straightforward that Daryl Morey was a “liar”. To make matters worse, the 6ft 5” guard even denied his fans an autograph on their Philly jersey.

News immediately broke out that the Pennsylvania side would be trading away James Harden. However, with the Sixers not being satisfied with any offers that other teams had to offer, the Southpaw couldn’t be dealt away.

The three-time scoring champ did attend the franchise’s initial practices of the training camp at Colorado. However, it was soon found out that the 10-time All-Star missed team practice a few days ago and was reportedly in Houston.

Before the Philadelphia 76ers could decide on any punishment, Jackson Gatlin revealed the details of the combo guard’s stay in Texas. Gatlin reported that the Philly star was present in Houston to take care of his unwell mother.

His mother being sick is true, and while that was definitely his leading reason for coming home to Houston, he also just desperately wants out of Philly.

— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) October 19, 2023

James Harden wanted to be dealt away to Los Angeles

For the longest time, fans and pundits were assuming that James Harden was behaving like a rebel and missing practice on purpose. However, with credible sources revealing the details of his mother’s physical well-being, it is understandable why he’d be in Houston.

It is no surprise James doesn’t want to be a part of the Sixers organization anymore. However, keeping his emotions aside, Harden did show up for training camp earlier this month.

James Harden was linked with the Los Angeles Clippers immediately after the free agency. Fans were certain that Kawhi Leonard and Paul George would land yet another MVP on their star-studded lineup. But, the Clippers lost the opportunity to acquire the high-volume scorer by not parting ways with Terrance Mann.

The Sixers asking price for James Harden:

• First-round pick
• First-round pick
• Terance Mann

(Via @PompeyOnSixers) pic.twitter.com/SMDIZwgXww

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 18, 2023

We’ve seen Ben Simmons sit out for the entirety of the 2021-2022 season in order to be traded away. Even Kawhi Leonard suited up for merely 9 games in the 2017-2018 season as a method of protesting. It is very possible that Harden also pulls off similar antics and doesn’t take on the hardwood, representing the 76ers.