James Harden rejoined his Philadelphia 76ers teammates Wednesday after missing the team’s first day of training camp.
The former MVP took part in practice and left a positive impression on Tobias Harris despite his reported preference to be traded to the Los Angeles Clippers.
“He’s here, and his attitude and energy today allowed everybody to understand that he wants to go out here and compete with us,” Harris told reporters Wednesday, courtesy of Kyle Neubeck of PHLY Sports.
76ers head coach Nick Nurse was also encouraged by what he saw from Harden, saying the All-Star guard was “super locked in” and asking questions.
“He’s preaching hard work … discipline, accountability … It was great to hear,” Nurse said, per Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Philadelphia took Harden off the trade market in August. The three-time scoring champ subsequently called 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey a “liar” and vowed to never play for him again.
Harden was fined $100,000 for his comments.
Philadelphia hasn’t gained traction with the Clippers or any other team on a trade, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
The 76ers open their preseason Sunday evening against the Boston Celtics.
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