NBA 'Looking Into' James Harden, 76ers Situation
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 10: James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the Miami Heat during the first half in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at FTX Arena on May 10, 2022 in Miami, Florida. License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The latest James Harden saga remains unresolved as the Philadelphia 76ers open their season Thursday night against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Harden isn't with the team following a tumultuous offseason that included him publicly calling out team president Daryl Morey. Per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the NBA is investigating the situation in regards to a new Player Participation policy.
"We're looking into the facts around James Harden's availability tonight to determine whether an approved reason exists for his lack of participation," NBA spokesperson Mike Bass said.
Approved last month, the Player Participation policy is aimed at keeping star players -- defined as those selected to an All-NBA or All-Star team -- on the court while healthy. Without an approved reason, star players must be available for nationally televised games. Thursday's game is on TNT.
Furthermore, teams must "refrain from any long-term 'shutdowns' in which a star player stops playing games." Resting healthy players also must attend games and be "visible to fans."
After opting into the final year of his contract, Harden twice called Morey a "liar" and said he "will never be a part of an organization that he's a part of" during a China appearance. He expected the 76ers to trade him "quickly" after picking up the $35.6 million option.
However, Harden remains on the roster. Following a 10-day excused absence, the 34-year-old guard unexpectedly returned to the team's facilities on Wednesday.
Shams Charania reported that the 76ers asked him not to travel with the team. According to Chris Haynes, a security official stopped Harden from boarding the team flight.
Per Haynes, the 76ers wanted him to stay behind and ramp up his workout plan. But Harden's camp believes they were just trying to eliminate a distraction.
The NBA finding Harden and/or the 76ers in violation of its new policy may make a messy situation even messier. Harden won't be present when the 76ers and Bucks tip off at 7:30 p.m. ET.
