The Philadelphia 76ers were knocked out by the Boston Celtics in 7 games. James Harden produced another hapless display during a 112-88 blowout loss. After the series, president of basketball operations Daryl Morey responded by sacking head coach Doc Rivers. The decision was apparently made without consulting Joel Embiid, with Harden said to be supportive, according to ClutchPoints.
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Speaking on ESPN’s First Take, former NBA player Kendrick Perkins claimed that Joel Embiid deserves better. The 38-year-old said that he expects Joel Embiid to force his way out of Philadelphia after Morey’s decision.
Kendrick Perkins wants Joel Embiid to leave the Philadelphia 76ers
Joel “The Process” Embiid has top-scored in the NBA for two straight seasons. He was selected as the league’s MVP this time around over season-long favorite Nikola Jokic.
The Philadelphia 76ers suffered an embarrassing loss in game 7. Embiid, who had consistently been the reason why the 76ers stayed in the series, did not get any support from his teammates, most notably from former MVP James Harden.
Multiple reports have since claimed that Embiid was not even consulted before Morey’s decision to fire Rivers. This led to Kendrick Perkins going on a rant, claiming that Embiid has every reason to force his way out:
“To be honest with you, I think Joel Embiid wants James Harden to walk. I think he deserves better than James Harden. If it comes down to Harden deciding on who the coach is gonna be, I believe Joel Embiid will still force his way out. Because here is the thing. Its bad enough that Joel Embiid was not asked about Doc Rivers. Because this is your league MVP, this is your franchise guy. He has led the league in scoring two years in a row. If I was Joel Embiid, no way I am trusting Daryl Morey with the love that he has for James Harden, that he is going to Joel Embiid. I don’t trust him to do right by Joel Embiid.”
He insists that Joel Embiid should instead ask for Kyrie Irving, who is a known playoff performer. Unlike Harden, who had a rather topsy turvy series.
James Harden put up another poor display in game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals
James Harden’s inconsistency during the Playoffs is not a new issue. While he is regarded as one of the best scorers in the history of the game, Harden has been found missing too many times when his teams needed him the most.
Apart from his scratchy defense, a poor offensive night means that Harden suddenly becomes a passenger on the roster. At his best, he might be capable of winning games for his team. But Harden’s inconsistency proved especially annoying against the Boston Celtics.
After scoring 45 points in game 1 and 42 in game 4, he produced just 39 in the final 3 matches. Harden finished with 9 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds in game 7, converting just 3 of his 11 field goal attempts. Such statistics are extremely poor for even a role player, let alone a 10-time All-Star.
