On February 16, Beijing time, 76 people held a press conference for new signings, James Harden publicly interviewed, revealing that Philadelphia was his preferred destination when he left the Rockets, saying that he would implement the player option, praising Embiid and bluntly saying that he could win the championship this year.
Harden wore a green hooded sweatshirt on camera, and at the press conference, Harden said that he did not have the right to choose his own home when he left the Rockets, bluntly saying: When I was ready to leave the Rockets, Philadelphia was my first choice, but this did not happen at that time.
In 2021, the Rockets and the Nets reached a big deal, Harden joined forces with Durant and Irving to form the Big Three, but the Nets Big Three only played together for more than a year before disintegrating, and now Harden has become the 76ers, wearing the Philadelphia No. 1 jersey.
Harden played in 80 regular season games in his nets career, averaging 23.5 points, 8.3 rebounds and 10.6 assists per game, played in 9 playoff games, averaged 20.2 points, 8.6 assists and 6.3 rebounds per game, and played only 16 games with Durant and Irving.
Speaking about Embiid, Harden said embiid is the strongest man in the league, he is playing his best performance ever this season, my goal is to help the team win the championship, I am very happy to join Embiid.
Harden also praised Rivers as one of the best coaches of all time, confident that he and Embiid could win the championship this year.
So far this season, Embiid has averaged 29.5 points, 11.1 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game, and is currently fourth in the East with 34 wins and 22 losses.
Speaking about the contract, Harden said he would execute the $47.4 million player option next season.
Speaking about the hamstring injury, Harden said: "My hamstrings feel good now, take a break to adjust to the state, we should go, for me, it won't be long to adapt to any team."
Previously, the 76ers have officially announced that Harden will miss the All-Star Game due to injury, and will usher in the 76ers' career debut as soon as February 26.
Talking about Irving's refusal to get vaccinated again, Harden: The fact that Irving doesn't get vaccinated is a very small factor that I want to come to Philadelphia, and Irving and Irving are still good friends; but in his case, it definitely affects the whole team.
Harden has publicly stated that he wants Irving to get vaccinated, saying: I want to give him an injection (vaccine); but the Owen people have been reluctant to vaccinate, and it is clear that this is a big factor in Harden's decision to leave the Nets.
The next meeting between the 76ers and the Nets is on March 11, when Durant and Irving should both play, Simmons is expected to return, and Embiid and Harden will play at home against the Nets.