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In a single breath, James Harden downplayed Kyrie Irving’s standing as a deciding consider his choice to hunt a divorce from the Nets.
Later in the identical reply, nonetheless, the 10-time All-Star stated Irving’s part-time availability because of being unvaccinated for COVID-19 “undoubtedly” affected the crew this season until the sides pulled off the blockbuster trade that despatched Harden to the 76ers and introduced Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond and two first-round picks to Brooklyn final week.
“Very minimal, and clearly me and Ky are actually good associates,” Harden stated, throughout his introductory press convention Tuesday in Philadelphia, when requested how a lot Irving factored into his commerce request. “No matter he was going via or remains to be going via, that’s his private choice.
“However it undoubtedly did influence the crew as a result of initially me, Kyrie and KD [Kevin Durant] on the courtroom — and winning covers up a lot of that stuff — however it was unlucky that we performed 16 video games out of no matter it was. It’s what it’s however [being] right here in Philly is a chance that I’m wanting ahead to.”
Now, enjoying with All-Star heart Joel Embiid for coach Doc Rivers, Harden will chase his elusive championship with the Sixers as a substitute of as a part of the Nets’ Large 3, which gained 13 of the 16 video games they performed collectively after Harden was obtained from the Rockets about 13 months in the past.
Harden additionally revealed that Philadelphia was his “first alternative” earlier than he was dealt from Houston to Brooklyn in January 2021.
“I wanted to be round guys who wished to win and do what it takes to win,” Harden added. “The chance, the window is now. My job is to return on the market and assist the whole crew win a championship this yr and years going ahead.”
In keeping with the 32-year-old, his strained hamstring “feels actually good” and his conditioning is “nice,” although the Sixers introduced Monday he will skip the All-Star Game this weekend because of the harm.
“There’s rather a lot that goes into it, clearly. It doesn’t occur in a single day however I feel simply being round guys right here, they’ve the proper mindset,” Harden stated. “After the break, it’s simply ‘go time.’ As a lot as I can incorporate and determine issues out quick, which most likely gained’t be lengthy, the higher issues will likely be, however it shouldn’t take lengthy in any respect. I just about can match anyplace.”
The Nets are simply 4-10 within the 14 video games during which Irving has appeared in since he resumed enjoying street video games on Jan. 5 at Indiana, however he will likely be ineligible to play Wednesday in opposition to the Knicks at Madison Sq. Backyard because of New York Metropolis’s vaccination mandates.
DeAndre’ Bembry, who was positioned on waivers by the Nets when the Harden commerce was introduced, is predicted to signal with the Bucks, ESPN reported.
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