CAMDEN, NJ – James Harden sweated well after doing a bunch of 3-point shooting training with teammate Tyrese Maxi and hit the ball well at the end of his first 76ers practice on Monday.
But the 32-year-old Harden, who missed his last four games with the Nets due to hamstring tension and didn’t appear in his first two competitions as a Sixer after Thursday’s blockbuster starring Ben Simmons, will remain for the all-star gap.
The Sixers said Harden would continue to rehabilitate his left hamstring with treatment and step up training on the court. He will not participate in Sunday’s NBA All-Star Game, for which he was voted for the ninth time. Sixers star Joel Embeid is starting the game for the fourth season in a row.
On Tuesday night, the Sixers host the Celtics 34-22, and on Thursday before the week-long break, the Bucks visit the All-Star Game. They return against the Timberwolves in Minneapolis on February 25 and visit the Knicks on February 27, although it is unclear whether Harden will appear in the squad any time soon. “Updated information on his playing status will be provided after the break,” the Sixers reported.
Asked why Harden would not be in at least the next two games, Sixers coach Doc Rivers replied: “I have no idea. I think it’s just to make sure he’s right, healthy and ready to go. I not a doctor, (though) they call me Doc. “
The same approach applies to veteran-forward Paul Milsap, who was also acquired on a deal with Harden in exchange for Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Dramand and a couple of first-round elections. Millsap can get a few minutes in the backup center.
While Harden “did everything” his teammates did on Monday, according to Rivers, the Sixers did not fight and did not conduct any training.
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“He and Paul brought a lot of energy and excitement to our team,” said wing veteran Danny Green.
Harden showed his ability to knock jumpers out of dribbling around the 3-point line during training with Maxi.
The three-time NBA champion, left-hander Harden, is averaging 22.5 points, 10.2 assists and 8 rebounds in 44 games in Brooklyn this season. Although Harden’s numbers are still solid, Harden’s points, percentage of shots from the game (0.414) and percentage of 3 points (0.332) are his lowest since moving to Houston in 2012.
Harden is scheduled to meet with Philadelphia media on Tuesday for the first time since the trade.
Rivers said it was no coincidence that Harden worked with Maxi after the session and that he plans to spend what is expected to be the starting back zone of the team as much time together.
“He’s obviously a basketball player with a high IQ,” Rivers of Harden said. “It’s not that hard to involve James Harden in a crime. In fact, it’s not. He’s just a great basketball player.”
Tom Moore: tmoore @ couriertimes; @TomMoorePhilly
