Doc Rivers’ fate with the 76ers was seemingly sealed following the team’s disappointing Game 7 loss, but ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne says another factor may have been at play.
According to Shelburne, James Harden’s feelings for Doc may have gotten in the way of him potentially re-signing this offseason, so the team thought it may be best to move forward and have a better chance at keeping the future Hall of Famer in Philly.
According to @ramonashelburne James Harden coming back to the Sixers would depend on Doc Rivers as coach.
“Behind the scenes, from what I’m told, one person said to me it would be hard for me to see James wanting to come back and play for Doc again.” pic.twitter.com/RRTcwOcJLT
— Crossing Broad (@CrossingBroad) May 15, 2023
Saying on “NBA Today” Monday:
James Harden can become a free agent which means that you have to decide if you want to give him a four-year contract. … James Harden was not all that supportive of Doc Rivers in his press conference yesterday. And behind the scenes, from what I’m told, one person said to me it would be hard for me to see James wanting to come back and play for Doc again. This is gonna be situation where those two decisions are linked.
Harden was huge in Games 1 and 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, but pretty much undid all of that good will with disappointing performances in two pivotal games that could’ve closed out the series.
It’s been rumored that the 10-time All-Star could be looking at a return to Houston next season, or possibly linking up with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker out west.
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