Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Two weeks after being acquired from the Brooklyn Nets in a blockbuster trade, James Harden is back.
The newest Philadelphia 76ers star has been out over the past couple weeks due to a nagging hamstring injury. He’ll now make his debut when Philadelphia opens up its post All-Star break portion of the schedule Friday against the Timberwolves in Minnesota.
Harden, 32, last suited up back on February 2 against the Sacramento Kings in what ended up being his final game as a member of the Nets. He was acquired from Brooklyn on February 10 in a trade that sent Ben Simmons, among others, to New York City.
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After some initial struggles this season, Philadelphia headed into the All-Star Break with a 35-23 record and as the third seed in the Eastern Conference. It is 19-7 over the past 26 games with Joel Embiid playing at an MVP level.
As for Harden, he was in the midst of a down season with Brooklyn before privately asking out. Through 44 games, the 10-time All-Star is averaging 22.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 10.2 assists on 41% shooting from the field. That point-per game total would be his lowest since Harden was a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder back in 2011-12.
The hope here is that a change of scenery will do Harden well. He has a tremendous supporting cast and one of the best all-around players in the NBA in that of Embiid to help him moving forward.