The Houston Rockets remain optimistic regarding the potential of bringing superstar guard James Harden back to the organization in 2023 free agency, per ESPN’s Tim MacMahon. Harden is currently finishing out a second season with the Philadelphia 76ers. The Rockets will have up to $60 million in salary cap room this offseason, and Harden could be a focal point of their plans to return to NBA relevancy. MacMahon spoke about the situation on the latest episode of ESPN’s Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective podcast.
Source: Ben DuBose @ Rockets Wire
Source: Ben DuBose @ Rockets Wire
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Dave Early @DavidEarly
I don’t believe in hexes or curses really, but… foisting out the GM who drafted Joel Embiid and also left you enough picks to pair up Jimmy Butler and James Harden feels like bad karma.
What if the Sixers just need Hinkie to be a bell-ringer in order to win it all? – 4:39 PM
I don’t believe in hexes or curses really, but… foisting out the GM who drafted Joel Embiid and also left you enough picks to pair up Jimmy Butler and James Harden feels like bad karma.
What if the Sixers just need Hinkie to be a bell-ringer in order to win it all? – 4:39 PM
Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
Joel Embiid & James Harden Combine For 58 Points In Sixers Comeback W! | February 23, 2023
sportando.basketball/en/joel-embiid… – 3:35 PM
Joel Embiid & James Harden Combine For 58 Points In Sixers Comeback W! | February 23, 2023
sportando.basketball/en/joel-embiid… – 3:35 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
#AboutLastNightFlow #Sixers’ James Harden sends game-worn shoes, video chats with Michigan State shooting survivor inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-… via @phillyinquirer – 1:52 PM
#AboutLastNightFlow #Sixers’ James Harden sends game-worn shoes, video chats with Michigan State shooting survivor inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-… via @phillyinquirer – 1:52 PM
David Hardisty @clutchfans
ESPN’s @Tim MacMahon says “Houston believes (James Harden returning) is a legitimate possibility and that’s not coming out of thin air.” He adds that Harden still “works out at the Rockets facility on a regular basis.” (via Hoops Collective podcast) pic.twitter.com/afpBspynAS – 1:31 PM
ESPN’s @Tim MacMahon says “Houston believes (James Harden returning) is a legitimate possibility and that’s not coming out of thin air.” He adds that Harden still “works out at the Rockets facility on a regular basis.” (via Hoops Collective podcast) pic.twitter.com/afpBspynAS – 1:31 PM
Noah Levick @NoahLevick
Rounding up recent Sixers stories:
-Harden aims to uplift MSU shooting survivor (tinyurl.com/ywtspd57)
-Observations on comeback W (tinyurl.com/29z9dzby)
-Sixers elevated their game, though Tucker not thrilled with state of defense (tinyurl.com/24s8mm7y) – 1:02 PM
Rounding up recent Sixers stories:
-Harden aims to uplift MSU shooting survivor (tinyurl.com/ywtspd57)
-Observations on comeback W (tinyurl.com/29z9dzby)
-Sixers elevated their game, though Tucker not thrilled with state of defense (tinyurl.com/24s8mm7y) – 1:02 PM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Memphis has an elite defense and they stifled the Sixers in the first half.
The Sixers found success with a set called “V-Out.” It worked. Dillon Brooks did not want to switch off James Harden, who back screens for Tyrese Maxey on this play.
More here: https://t.co/iFVdv9dlZE pic.twitter.com/RiGOWIoznd – 11:38 AM
Memphis has an elite defense and they stifled the Sixers in the first half.
The Sixers found success with a set called “V-Out.” It worked. Dillon Brooks did not want to switch off James Harden, who back screens for Tyrese Maxey on this play.
More here: https://t.co/iFVdv9dlZE pic.twitter.com/RiGOWIoznd – 11:38 AM
Get Up @GetUpESPN
“If [James Harden] plays as well in the postseason in big spots as he has most of this regular season, Philadelphia could get to a Conference Final or a Final.”
—@LegsESPN pic.twitter.com/xZ1ifQiBBf – 9:50 AM
“If [James Harden] plays as well in the postseason in big spots as he has most of this regular season, Philadelphia could get to a Conference Final or a Final.”
—@LegsESPN pic.twitter.com/xZ1ifQiBBf – 9:50 AM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
James Harden opens up on why he took time out of his day to help Michigan State’s John Hao and give him encouragement #Sixers sixerswire.usatoday.com/2023/02/24/six… via @SixersWire – 9:36 AM
James Harden opens up on why he took time out of his day to help Michigan State’s John Hao and give him encouragement #Sixers sixerswire.usatoday.com/2023/02/24/six… via @SixersWire – 9:36 AM
Noah Levick @NoahLevick
James Harden was reflective last night on living a “far-fetched dream,” passing Allen Iverson on the all-time scoring list, and aiming to uplift MSU shooting survivor John Hao.
nbcsports.com/philadelphia/s… – 8:25 AM
James Harden was reflective last night on living a “far-fetched dream,” passing Allen Iverson on the all-time scoring list, and aiming to uplift MSU shooting survivor John Hao.
nbcsports.com/philadelphia/s… – 8:25 AM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
James Harden gives his thoughts on passing Allen Iverson on the all-time scoring list in a win over the Grizzlies at home #Sixers sixerswire.usatoday.com/2023/02/23/jam… via @SixersWire – 8:10 AM
James Harden gives his thoughts on passing Allen Iverson on the all-time scoring list in a win over the Grizzlies at home #Sixers sixerswire.usatoday.com/2023/02/23/jam… via @SixersWire – 8:10 AM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
James Harden:“It’s things like that where you just sit back and think about real life and things bigger than basketball. I heard that he was a fan of mine and I wanted to get up on that ASAP and see what I can do, anything I could do.”
inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-… via @phillyinquirer – 6:25 AM
James Harden:“It’s things like that where you just sit back and think about real life and things bigger than basketball. I heard that he was a fan of mine and I wanted to get up on that ASAP and see what I can do, anything I could do.”
inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-… via @phillyinquirer – 6:25 AM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Sixers star James Harden sends game-worn shoes, video chats with Michigan State shooting survivor inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-… via @phillyinquirer – 6:11 AM
Sixers star James Harden sends game-worn shoes, video chats with Michigan State shooting survivor inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-… via @phillyinquirer – 6:11 AM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Great Harden game against a team that profiles as a difficult matchup for him, Embiid with some tremendous leadership by example, and a thriller for the Sixers in their first game after the All-Star break:
thepaintedlines.com/harden-and-emb… – 12:47 AM
Great Harden game against a team that profiles as a difficult matchup for him, Embiid with some tremendous leadership by example, and a thriller for the Sixers in their first game after the All-Star break:
thepaintedlines.com/harden-and-emb… – 12:47 AM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
James Harden on the @Philadelphia 76ers‘ big comeback tonight:
“We’re resilient. We fought, and fought, and fought. It was great for us… We found something today: We’ve got a team that won’t quit. And that’s always a good sign.” – 12:28 AM
James Harden on the @Philadelphia 76ers‘ big comeback tonight:
“We’re resilient. We fought, and fought, and fought. It was great for us… We found something today: We’ve got a team that won’t quit. And that’s always a good sign.” – 12:28 AM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Tobias Harris confirmed that the Sixers had a bad practice yesterday, as Reggie Miller mentioned on the TNT broadcast. Didn’t outright confirm that Rivers said anything about Kevin Garnett or put the onus on Embiid+Harden, but said that the team responded well in the second half. – 10:50 PM
Tobias Harris confirmed that the Sixers had a bad practice yesterday, as Reggie Miller mentioned on the TNT broadcast. Didn’t outright confirm that Rivers said anything about Kevin Garnett or put the onus on Embiid+Harden, but said that the team responded well in the second half. – 10:50 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Great, great win for the Sixers, on a night where it looked like they were on their way to a horrible loss. Awesome Harden outing, and a resilient effort from Embiid phillyvoice.com/instant-observ… – 10:19 PM
Great, great win for the Sixers, on a night where it looked like they were on their way to a horrible loss. Awesome Harden outing, and a resilient effort from Embiid phillyvoice.com/instant-observ… – 10:19 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Final: Sixers 110, Grizzlies 105.
Joel Embiid went 7-25 but finishes with 27-19-6-6, & James Harden had 31-7-7 for the Sixers, who host the Celtics Saturday.
Desmond Bane led Memphis with 25 points – 19 of which came in the first quarter. Ja Morant had 15-5 but went 3-16. – 10:16 PM
Final: Sixers 110, Grizzlies 105.
Joel Embiid went 7-25 but finishes with 27-19-6-6, & James Harden had 31-7-7 for the Sixers, who host the Celtics Saturday.
Desmond Bane led Memphis with 25 points – 19 of which came in the first quarter. Ja Morant had 15-5 but went 3-16. – 10:16 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
FINAL: Sixers 110, Grizzlies 105. Sixers somehow claw back to win this one in perhaps their most improbable victory of the season. Embiid 27-19-6. Harden 31-7-7. Harris 20 points and two huge 3s down the stretch.
Up next: Saturday vs. Boston on ABC. – 10:15 PM
FINAL: Sixers 110, Grizzlies 105. Sixers somehow claw back to win this one in perhaps their most improbable victory of the season. Embiid 27-19-6. Harden 31-7-7. Harris 20 points and two huge 3s down the stretch.
Up next: Saturday vs. Boston on ABC. – 10:15 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Final: Sixers win 110-105.
Sixers with a pair of very unconventional wins over the Cavs (38-23, 4th in the East) and Grizzlies (35-23, 2nd in the West) in their last two games.
Harden (31/7/7) led the way for the Sixers, who improve to 39-19 on the season. – 10:15 PM
Final: Sixers win 110-105.
Sixers with a pair of very unconventional wins over the Cavs (38-23, 4th in the East) and Grizzlies (35-23, 2nd in the West) in their last two games.
Harden (31/7/7) led the way for the Sixers, who improve to 39-19 on the season. – 10:15 PM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Sixers beat Memphis, 110-105. They are 39-19.
Impressive fight. Outside of James Harden (31 points), they had nothing offensively all game. Joel Embiid certainly didn’t. To the Sixers’ credit, they guarded. Embiid certainly did that. The building was rocking down the stretch. – 10:14 PM
Sixers beat Memphis, 110-105. They are 39-19.
Impressive fight. Outside of James Harden (31 points), they had nothing offensively all game. Joel Embiid certainly didn’t. To the Sixers’ credit, they guarded. Embiid certainly did that. The building was rocking down the stretch. – 10:14 PM
Kendrick Perkins @KendrickPerkins
*Squints* Uh-oh! Is that H-Town James Harden!? And Embiid is reminding us that there are 2 ends of the court. Not a great shooting game but still a dominant performance! Carry on… – 10:13 PM
*Squints* Uh-oh! Is that H-Town James Harden!? And Embiid is reminding us that there are 2 ends of the court. Not a great shooting game but still a dominant performance! Carry on… – 10:13 PM
NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBA
Harden was feeling it after that Embiid dunk 🙌 pic.twitter.com/IDzVwNzf0V – 10:12 PM
Harden was feeling it after that Embiid dunk 🙌 pic.twitter.com/IDzVwNzf0V – 10:12 PM
Chris Vernon @ChrisVernonShow
harden corner 3 and then the harris 3 after good defensive possessions just killers. major shot-makin. – 10:05 PM
harden corner 3 and then the harris 3 after good defensive possessions just killers. major shot-makin. – 10:05 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Tobias Harris corner 3 off an offensive rebound / broken play, then a James Harden diving floor board / outlet to Embiid in transition and the Sixers are now up 108-105 with 23.3 seconds left. – 10:04 PM
Tobias Harris corner 3 off an offensive rebound / broken play, then a James Harden diving floor board / outlet to Embiid in transition and the Sixers are now up 108-105 with 23.3 seconds left. – 10:04 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
Hilarious catch and shoot aversion. Harris won’t take it, Harden shrugs at him then hits the corner where he gets off a bounce before his bomb. pic.twitter.com/U2qJOBEpKp – 10:03 PM
Hilarious catch and shoot aversion. Harris won’t take it, Harden shrugs at him then hits the corner where he gets off a bounce before his bomb. pic.twitter.com/U2qJOBEpKp – 10:03 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
After a rock fight for three quarters, a basketball game has broken out here in Philly. And somehow, someway, the Sixers find themselves down by a point with 3:38 to go.
Joel Embiid is 5-22, but has 23 points, 18 rebounds, six assists and five blocks, & James Harden has 28-6-5. – 9:55 PM
After a rock fight for three quarters, a basketball game has broken out here in Philly. And somehow, someway, the Sixers find themselves down by a point with 3:38 to go.
Joel Embiid is 5-22, but has 23 points, 18 rebounds, six assists and five blocks, & James Harden has 28-6-5. – 9:55 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
James Harden with another really strong (28 points, 9-14 shooting so far) game against a really good defense. Wrote about it the other day, but he’s had some good games against top-10 defenses this year.
dailysix.com/the-exceptiona… – 9:50 PM
James Harden with another really strong (28 points, 9-14 shooting so far) game against a really good defense. Wrote about it the other day, but he’s had some good games against top-10 defenses this year.
dailysix.com/the-exceptiona… – 9:50 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
We’re getting small-ball P.J. Tucker at center minutes. He’s out there with Maxey-Harden-McDaniels-Niang. – 9:33 PM
We’re getting small-ball P.J. Tucker at center minutes. He’s out there with Maxey-Harden-McDaniels-Niang. – 9:33 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Sixers star James Harden sends game-worn shoes, video chats with Michigan State shooting survivor inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-… via @phillyinquirer – 9:29 PM
Sixers star James Harden sends game-worn shoes, video chats with Michigan State shooting survivor inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-… via @phillyinquirer – 9:29 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Grizzlies 81, Sixers 75 at the end of the third. Sixers hanging around despite shooting 36 percent from the floor — because Memphis is at 40 percent. Embiid has not played well but is still nearing a 20-20 game (19 and 17). Harden with 18 and 4. – 9:26 PM
Grizzlies 81, Sixers 75 at the end of the third. Sixers hanging around despite shooting 36 percent from the floor — because Memphis is at 40 percent. Embiid has not played well but is still nearing a 20-20 game (19 and 17). Harden with 18 and 4. – 9:26 PM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Somehow just a six-point game after three quarters.
Big stretch coming up for Mr. Basketball Paul and presumably James Harden. – 9:26 PM
Somehow just a six-point game after three quarters.
Big stretch coming up for Mr. Basketball Paul and presumably James Harden. – 9:26 PM
Noah Levick @NoahLevick
Sixers down a dozen to the Grizzlies after a half in which Joel Embiid shot 2 for 14 from the floor.
James Harden passed Allen Iverson for 26th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list with a 3-pointer late in the second quarter. He’s got a team-high 16 points. – 8:40 PM
Sixers down a dozen to the Grizzlies after a half in which Joel Embiid shot 2 for 14 from the floor.
James Harden passed Allen Iverson for 26th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list with a 3-pointer late in the second quarter. He’s got a team-high 16 points. – 8:40 PM
Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Halftime:
Grizzlies lead the 76ers 59-47
Desmond Bane scored all of his 21 points in the first quarter. Jaren Jackson Jr. has nine points.
Joel Embiid has 9 points and 12 boards on 2-14 shooting, but James Harden has scored 16. Fun game so far. – 8:39 PM
Halftime:
Grizzlies lead the 76ers 59-47
Desmond Bane scored all of his 21 points in the first quarter. Jaren Jackson Jr. has nine points.
Joel Embiid has 9 points and 12 boards on 2-14 shooting, but James Harden has scored 16. Fun game so far. – 8:39 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Halftime: Grizzles 59, Sixers 47. After a mostly disastrous half, the Sixers briefly got within single digits before JJJ’s wild make in the final seconds. Sixers are shooting 31.3% from the floor. Harden with 16. Embiid is 2-of-14 from the floor for 9 points but has 12 boards. – 8:38 PM
Halftime: Grizzles 59, Sixers 47. After a mostly disastrous half, the Sixers briefly got within single digits before JJJ’s wild make in the final seconds. Sixers are shooting 31.3% from the floor. Harden with 16. Embiid is 2-of-14 from the floor for 9 points but has 12 boards. – 8:38 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
James Harden has passed Allen Iverson for 26th on the NBA all-time scoring list with 24,371 points on a three-pointer late in the half. He’s up to 16 points on the right. – 8:35 PM
James Harden has passed Allen Iverson for 26th on the NBA all-time scoring list with 24,371 points on a three-pointer late in the half. He’s up to 16 points on the right. – 8:35 PM
Lang Whitaker @langwhitaker
Santi doing the swipe thru on Harden pic.twitter.com/CBXiO0QRvD – 8:25 PM
Santi doing the swipe thru on Harden pic.twitter.com/CBXiO0QRvD – 8:25 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
#Sixers point guard James Harden has tied Allen Iverson for 26th on the all-time scoring list with 24,368. – 8:20 PM
#Sixers point guard James Harden has tied Allen Iverson for 26th on the all-time scoring list with 24,368. – 8:20 PM
NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBA
Dillon Brooks got into it with Harden three minutes into the game 😳 pic.twitter.com/hojSwfQGS0 – 7:54 PM
Dillon Brooks got into it with Harden three minutes into the game 😳 pic.twitter.com/hojSwfQGS0 – 7:54 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Harden dislodging JJJ to get that layup off in transition is an example of the physical difference between this year and last.
Very physical game so far, Memphis swarming Embiid when he gets the ball and off-ball doubling quite a bit – 7:45 PM
Harden dislodging JJJ to get that layup off in transition is an example of the physical difference between this year and last.
Very physical game so far, Memphis swarming Embiid when he gets the ball and off-ball doubling quite a bit – 7:45 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Dillon Brooks and James Harden go chest to chest after he continued to go after the Sixers guard through a foul. – 7:41 PM
Dillon Brooks and James Harden go chest to chest after he continued to go after the Sixers guard through a foul. – 7:41 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Dillon Brooks and James Harden go chest to chest after he continued to go after the Sixers’s guard through a foul. – 7:40 PM
Dillon Brooks and James Harden go chest to chest after he continued to go after the Sixers’s guard through a foul. – 7:40 PM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Perhaps not quite Samurai Jimmy Butler, but James Harden is going with a headband tonight. – 7:32 PM
Perhaps not quite Samurai Jimmy Butler, but James Harden is going with a headband tonight. – 7:32 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
MSU shooting survivor John Hao FaceTimes with NBA star James Harden lansingstatejournal.com/videos/news/lo… via @LSJNews – 7:22 PM
MSU shooting survivor John Hao FaceTimes with NBA star James Harden lansingstatejournal.com/videos/news/lo… via @LSJNews – 7:22 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
MSU shooting survivor John Hao FaceTimes with NBA star James Harden lansingstatejournal.com/videos/news/lo… via @LSJNews – 7:16 PM
MSU shooting survivor John Hao FaceTimes with NBA star James Harden lansingstatejournal.com/videos/news/lo… via @LSJNews – 7:16 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
#Sixers starters vs. #Grizzlies
Embiid — non Covid illness — AVAILABLE
PHI starters:
Harris
Tucker
Embiid
Melton
Harden – 7:04 PM
#Sixers starters vs. #Grizzlies
Embiid — non Covid illness — AVAILABLE
PHI starters:
Harris
Tucker
Embiid
Melton
Harden – 7:04 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
#Sixers point guard James Harden needs 14 points to pass Allen Iverson for 26th on the NBA all-time scoring list at 24,369. – 4:41 PM
#Sixers point guard James Harden needs 14 points to pass Allen Iverson for 26th on the NBA all-time scoring list at 24,369. – 4:41 PM
Malika Andrews @malika_andrews
Last week, 20-year-old John Hao’s life was changed forever. He was one of the students shot at Michigan State University and was left paralyzed from the waist down. Hao is a huge fan of James Harden, and when Harden heard Hao’s story, he stepped in: pic.twitter.com/Htm2RXRdQ2 – 4:39 PM
Last week, 20-year-old John Hao’s life was changed forever. He was one of the students shot at Michigan State University and was left paralyzed from the waist down. Hao is a huge fan of James Harden, and when Harden heard Hao’s story, he stepped in: pic.twitter.com/Htm2RXRdQ2 – 4:39 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
The Bucks were very good heading into break w/ Middleton, Giannis is unbelievable, etc. but the Sixers beat (no Middleton) Milwaukee with one half of Maxey and no Harden. Lost home opener by 2 pts despite one of the worst games/halves of Embiid’s career. Doom and gloom is silly – 4:25 PM
The Bucks were very good heading into break w/ Middleton, Giannis is unbelievable, etc. but the Sixers beat (no Middleton) Milwaukee with one half of Maxey and no Harden. Lost home opener by 2 pts despite one of the worst games/halves of Embiid’s career. Doom and gloom is silly – 4:25 PM
More on this storyline
Among MacMahon’s comments: “Not just that Houston wants to, but Houston believes it is a legitimate possibility and that’s not coming out of thin air. James Harden still spends a lot of time in Houston. Spends his summers in Houston. Works out at the Rockets’ facility on a regular basis. It’s a very real possibility. And Harden, by the way, never shot it down. He just said ‘I don’t know where that came from.’” -via Rockets Wire / February 24, 2023
StatMuse: James Harden tonight: 31 PTS 7 REB 7 AST 10-16 FG 6-9 3P Leading the league in 30/5/5 over the last 10 seasons. pic.twitter.com/z7JIpRtO2f -via Twitter @statmuse / February 24, 2023
When 76ers star James Harden saw the news that John Hao — a 20-year-old Michigan State student and huge fan of the future Hall of Fame point guard — had been paralyzed from the chest down in the tragic shooting on the university’s campus earlier this month, Harden knew he had to do something. “There’s things like that, where you sit back and think about just real life and things bigger than basketball,” Harden said after Philadelphia’s 110-105 win over the Memphis Grizzlies at Wells Fargo Center Thursday night, the Sixers’ first game back from the All-Star break. “I heard that he was a fan of mine, so I wanted to get up on that ASAP and just see what I could do, anything I could do.” -via ESPN / February 24, 2023