Joel Embiid has responded to James Harden’s eyebrow-raising feedback about his shortlived stint in Philadelphia.
Speaking at his introductory press convention with the Clippers, Harden claimed he felt the 76ers had put him on a leash and said of his supposedly restricted function, “I’m not a system player, I am a system.”
Naturally, Embiid was requested about all this after Philadelphia’s 114-99 win over Toronto on Thursday, and it’s protected to say he didn’t agree with Harden’s stance.
“We allowed him to just be himself, and we gave him the ball on every single possession,” Embiid mentioned. “Because he’s actually good. He’s an incredible participant. I’m not that nice of a passer, [so] we gave him the ball.
“He had to make decisions as far as getting guys open or looking out for himself. I thought he did a pretty good job of getting us into our offense, passing the ball, getting guys open. That’s the reason why he won the assists title last year.”
Embiid added that he was simply glad to have the opportunity to transfer on from Harden’s standoff with the 76ers.
“I’m happy that the situation got resolved and I’m happy for him, it’s all business…I hope he has a chance to succeed and make a lot of money, play good basketball and be able to win. I hope we both make the Finals but he’s on the losing side of it.”
James Harden and Joel Embiid will face off when the 76ers face the Clippers in LA on March 24. Harden will then make his return to Philadelphia three nights in a while March 27.
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