Joel Embiid Had a Simple Answer When Asked About James Harden's Absence at 76ers Practice

Embiid spoke to reporters about Harden’s absence on Wednesday.

James Harden was not at 76ers’ practice on Wednesday as he continues to angle for a trade out of Philadelphia. 

After practice, star center Joel Embiid spoke to reporters, who asked him about Harden’s absence. Embiid didn’t spend too much time discussing his truant teammate, suggesting that he perhaps had others matters to attend to.

Embiid indicated that Harden had been at practice of late, but said that it was possible something had come up which caused his absence on Wednesday.

“I didn’t know if anything was going on, because, you know, he’s been here. So, he wasn’t here today, so I think he has something important to do, or something came up,” said Embiid, via Sam DiGiovanni of ClutchPoints. “But, you know, guys know what it is.”

Joel Embiid on James Harden skipping Sixers practice, adding (before I started recording) that they had a good practice:

“I think probably had something important to do or something came up. But, you know, guys know what it is.” pic.twitter.com/yk1Wo2t6DG

— Sam DiGiovanni (@BySamDiGiovanni) October 18, 2023

A Wednesday report from Jake Fischer of Yahoo! stated that Harden was currently in Houston, and Keith Pompey of The Athletic reported that he had traveled there after practice on Sunday.

Harden was not in attendance for the 76ers’ preseason game against the Nets on Monday, and has not participated in any of the franchise’s games during the preseason.

Philadelphia’s season opener is just eight days away, a road matchup against the Bucks. Coach Nick Nurse said that he expects Harden to be available. 

Harden’s absence from practice on Wednesday was not excused by the team, but ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reported that the 76ers will give him the chance to offer an explanation before disciplining the 34-year-old.