After the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers swapped sets of superstars, now-76er James Harden and now-Net Ben Simmons have finally addressed the media.
During a press conference in Philadelphia, Harden revealed that he felt the 76ers had the greatest shot at winning the finals, not his former Nets, and that he believes he is the key piece to propel his new team to success.
“For me, it made sense, man,” he said regarding the trade. “It’s a time where I needed to be around guys that I know want to win, and know that they are willing to do whatever it takes to win, and the structure here is unbelievable.”
When asked about sharing the court with 76ers star Joel Embiid, Harden said, “The opportunity to win is now. Joel is playing the best he’s ever played. So my job is to come out there and help him and help the entire team win a championship this year and in years going forward.”
James Harden on player empowerment in the NBA:
"We can control our own destiny. I needed to be around guys that I know want to win and are willing to do whatever it takes to win." pic.twitter.com/tcxGFEBrfp
— Nets Videos (@SNYNets) February 15, 2022
As the Nets continue to spiral downward, with their losing streak capping at eleven games before finally ending Monday night against the Sacramento Kings, Harden was asked about the Nets’ woes and his feelings toward the team and their various situations. “Like, obviously me and Ky are really good friends, whatever he was going through, or is going through, that’s his personal preference. But it definitely did impact the team because, originally, me, Kyrie, KD on the court, and winning, covers up a lot of that stuff. But it’s unfortunate that we played 16 games out of whatever it was, and it is what it is. Here in Philly is an opportunity, and I’m looking forward to it.”
Harden was reluctant at first, but through his words, it was clear that he ultimately blamed the woes and his decision to leave on false promises: the Nets were supposed to be the “Big Three” dream team, with Harden, Kevin Durant, and Kyrie Irving dominating their opponents. However, that dream barely came to fruition, as the “Big Three” played a mere 16 games together, either due to injuries, Irving’s refusal to get the COVID-19 vaccine which has caused him to miss games due to mandates, or other issues.
Interestingly, in what appeared to be a jab towards the Nets, Harden admitted that when he was traded from the Houston Rockets to the Nets in January 2021, his first choice would have been Philadelphia, not the Nets. “Originally when I was going through everything I was going through in Houston, Philly was my first choice. It just didn’t happen… I just knew for a very long time, this was a perfect fit. Obviously, you have the best big man in the league in Joel [Embiid], and then obviously the coaching. From top to bottom it made sense. I’m just happy and blessed that I’m here… I’m excited for the opportunity.”
James Harden says he didn’t have the option to pick his landing spot last season
“I wish it worked like that. An organization has to do what’s best for their team…it didn’t work like that. I had to go to Brooklyn.”
(h/t @SNYNets )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 15, 2022
Meanwhile, up in Brooklyn, newly-acquired superstar Ben Simmons addressed the media. Despite rumors that Simmons refused to play with the 76ers because of his “mental health issues,” Simmons confirmed that this had nothing to do with the trade. “For me it wasn’t, that was never, the mental health has nothing to do with it. Just a trade. It was a bunch of things that I was dealing with as a person in my personal life that I don’t really want to go into depth with. But I’m here now. It’s a blessing to be in an organization like this. I’m looking forward to getting back on the floor and building something great here.”
When asked about what the specific reason was, Simmons blamed himself rather than the 76ers, their staff, and fans. “It piled up a bunch of things over the years where I knew I wasn’t myself and I had to get back to that place of being myself and being happy as a person and taking care of my well-being. That was the major thing for me. It wasn’t about the basketball, it wasn’t about the money, anything like that. I want to be who I am and get back to playing basketball at that level and being myself.”
Ben Simmons reflects on the end of his time with the Sixers:
"It was just piled up … to where I just knew I wasn't myself and I needed to get back into that place … being happy as a person." pic.twitter.com/33OTltQ29B
— ESPN (@espn) February 15, 2022
Regardless of the two superstars’ feelings toward their previous teams, it is up to them now to become accustomed to their new teams and get the ball rolling. What did you think of the trade, and the two players’ comments? Let us know, by either leaving a reaction below or by sending us a tweet at @celebsecrets.
