James Harden didn’t have the best end to his Brooklyn Nets stint.
The Philadelphia 76ers shooting guard left the team amid a lot of criticism for allegedly giving up on the Nets.
Now, the player is facing his former team in the first round of the playoffs, ready to take them out.
Ahead of the start of the series, Harden had some words for the Nets and those who criticized his exit.
James Harden on his #Nets exit: “There’s a lot of internal things that was going on which was one of the reasons why I made my decision. And everybody talked down on me & gave me negative feedback…But now fast forward today, nobody’s like, okay, James was smart.” #76ers #Sixers
— Brian Lewis (@NYPost_Lewis) April 14, 2023
Many fans reacted to it, supporting Harden, and saying that he said the same thing Kevin Durant said when he left.
4 any having trouble comprehending the phrase “internal things” & who may be trying 2 interpret it 2 mean Kyrie, pay close attention 2 the timing between when KD & Harden were spotted together over the summer & KD’s “ultimatum” given 2 Tsai. What internal issues did KD bring up??
— shan0506 (@shan0506) April 14, 2023
Didn’t KD say “internal things” when he was asked why he left? lol this also means it was kyrie’s fault harden wanted to be traded
— Ramon Castro The Digimon Emperor (@DigimonFan4Life) April 14, 2023
He needs to talk about those internal things for the fans to look at him differently. We know for a fact he quit during a game…
— Joey Buckets (@joey_buckets3) April 14, 2023
Others, simply criticized Harden.
Bro begged to be a Net and when things didn’t go his way bro dipped he’s just a ring chaser lmfao good riddance
— Depressed Mets fan (@Mets_Town) April 14, 2023
I wonder what Philly fans will say after Harden leaves after a 2nd round exit lol
— Christian Herrera (@_cjherrera) April 14, 2023
What started as a terrific Big 3 ended up being a huge fiasco.
Harden, Durant and Kyrie Irving could never win a championship, and their time together came to an abrupt end.
After being dealt to Philadelphia in the move that sent Ben Simmons to the Nets, Harden found a better version of himself.
The Sixers are seen as big favorites to come out of the East this season.
Joel Embiid remains a big player in the league, and with the help of Harden, he can do big things.
The journey won’t be easy, as the Nets will try to ruin their plans.
After that, they can clash with a more difficult rival on their way to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Harden is confident he can get things done this postseason, but he needs to first get out of the first round of the playoffs.
The Beard and co. are hungry to win, and to start the postseason with a win against the Nets would be great for the Sixers.
NEXT:
James Harden Speaks Out On Reason For Leaving Nets
