The 76ers’ acquisition of James Harden was seen as a perfect complement to Joel Embiid, particularly with their strong pick-and-roll play. However, their partnership only lasted until the Celtics eliminated the Sixers in the second round of the 2023 playoffs. Harden was traded to the Clippers that summer, and since then, the relationship between Embiid and Harden has deteriorated significantly. Embiid revealed to ESPN’s Dotun Akintoye that they are no longer on speaking terms, largely due to Harden blaming him for the trade. Embiid expressed frustration, saying it’s painful to lose a close relationship when he feels he did nothing wrong and highlighted the isolation that comes with being a superstar.
Embiid also mentioned that he tries to stay out of organizational decisions, despite the common belief in the NBA that star players often influence major moves. Akintoye’s profile supports the idea that Embiid is somewhat disconnected from the team’s broader dynamics, surrounded by a small, trusted inner circle that seems to be shrinking. For Embiid, Harden’s doubt about his involvement in the trade and the fading friendship add to the challenges he’s facing beyond just on-court performance.
Fan Take: This story highlights the complexities and pressures faced by NBA superstars off the court, not just in game performance but in team dynamics and management relations. For basketball fans, it’s a reminder that player relationships and front-office decisions significantly impact team chemistry and success, influencing how the sport evolves both on and off the court.
