James Harden refused to sign a fan’s Philadelphia 76ers jersey during an Adidas event in China. “I was stunned on the spot; my buddy and I put a 76ers jersey in front of him, but he wouldn’t sign it,” the Chinaman posted on Chinese forum Hupu. The messages were translated to English.
Another Harden fan wrote, “For insulting [Philadelphia 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl] Morey in China, I must give Harden a big thumbs up.” Additionally, one other fan posted, “I didn’t expect Harden to be so brave and speak out on a sensitive topic? Is he drunk?”
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Hupu
According to the discussion forum, Harden did sign the Chinese version of a Houston Rockets jersey. This was hours after the 10-time All-Star dissed Philadelphia 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey.
“Daryl Morey is a liar, and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of,” Harden said. “Let me say that again: Daryl Morey is a liar, and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of.”
James Harden refused to sign a fan’s Philadelphia 76ers jersey at an Adidas event in China, reportedly signed the Chinese version of a Houston Rockets jersey
Harden exercised his $35.64 million player option for the 2023-24 season with the 76ers in June. His player option is part of the two-year, $68.64 million contract he signed with the team last July.
Harden signed his two-year deal last offseason after declining a $47.4 million player option for the 2022-23 season. His previous option was included in the four-year, $171 million extension he signed with the Rockets in July 2017.
Morey has not yet negotiated a trade package with another team. However, the 14-year veteran has been vocal about playing for the Los Angeles Clippers.
In 58 starts with the Sixers in the 2022-23 season, Harden averaged 21 points, 6.1 rebounds, 10.7 assists, 1.2 steals, and 36.8 minutes per game.
James Harden: “Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of. Let me say that again: Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of.” pic.twitter.com/AmHJ0WwbF2
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 14, 2023
Also, the seven-time All-NBA member shot 44.1% from the floor and 38.5% outside the arc, his highest 3-point shooting percentage since the 2011-12 season with the Oklahoma City Thunder (39%).
Harden is only one of six players to record at least 20,000 points, 5,000 rebounds, and 7,000 assists through his first 1,000 career games. The three-time scoring champ joins Oscar Robertson, Gary Payton, LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, and Chris Paul.
