A Championship Duo That Unraveled
Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid recently opened up about his deteriorated relationship with former teammate James Harden, now with the Los Angeles Clippers. Once seen as the dynamic duo destined to bring a championship to Philly, Embiid and Harden’s partnership began with high hopes in 2022 when Harden joined the Sixers.
Their on-court chemistry was undeniable—Embiid clinched the scoring title, Harden led the league in assists, and their pick-and-roll plays were nearly unstoppable. Off the court, they built what appeared to be a close friendship, often displaying mutual respect and camaraderie.
But behind the scenes, tensions brewed. The breaking point came when Harden’s feud with Sixers president Daryl Morey escalated, eventually leading to Harden’s trade to the Clippers. Since then, the relationship between Embiid and Harden has gone silent.
Embiid: “Even James Is Not Talking to Me”
In a revealing interview with ESPN, Embiid shared how the fallout has affected him personally.
“No one knows this, but even James [Harden] is not talking to me. That’s the part I don’t like about being ‘that guy,’ because it puts you in the middle of those situations.”
The 2023 NBA MVP expressed frustration and sadness, hinting that Harden may blame him for how things ended in Philadelphia.
“I won the scoring title. You won the assists title. We had a pick-and-roll that was unstoppable. It hurts when you feel like you haven’t done anything wrong.”
For Embiid, the emotional cost of losing a close friend and teammate was significant.
“When you think you have a relationship like that with somebody … you lose a lot.”
The Sixers Struggle Without Harden and Embiid
Since Harden’s departure, the 76ers have faced difficulties regaining their previous momentum. Embiid’s own injury has sidelined him for crucial stretches, adding to the team’s setbacks. The loss of cohesion and leadership has been felt deeply throughout the franchise.
A Glimpse Into Embiid’s Personal Mindset
In the same interview, Embiid also reflected on the mindset that has shaped his career. The 31-year-old explained that his approach to relationships and team dynamics stems from his upbringing.
“I think it goes back to how I was raised. I don’t want to say lonely, but when I came to the States, I was alone. I always taught myself to not trust anybody.”
He admitted that earlier in his career, he was far more withdrawn.
“If you ask my teammates now, they’ll tell you a way different story than my teammates a couple of years ago.”
A Legacy Still in the Making
Despite injuries and setbacks, Joel Embiid remains one of the most dominant forces in the NBA. With an MVP award, multiple scoring titles, and consistent All-Star performances, his place in the game is undeniable. Yet, without a championship ring, questions about his legacy persist.
Still, Embiid’s candidness and self-awareness reveal a player striving not only for greatness on the court but also for authenticity and connection beyond it.
