Nick Nurse Provides James Harden Update as Star Guard Joins Team

Sixers coach provides update on James Harden's ramp up

After opening the season on the road, the Philadelphia 76ers are back in town Sunday for their first home game of the year. As the team was preparing for their matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers, head coach Nick Nurse gave up an update regarding James Harden. 

Days before the Sixers left for Milwaukee, James Harden returned following a 10-day absence for personal reasons. The All-Star guard expected to travel with the team but ended up being held back. Instead, the Sixers had him ramping up at the team's training facility in Camden. 

During his pregame media availability, Nurse was asked about how things were going regarding Harden's ramp-up to play. He said things are trending in the right direction, and the next step is getting him in some live action. It's also worth noting that Harden was present for the team's film session and walkthrough leading up to Sunday's game. 

“James was here. He was here for the film session and walk through. What he just reported on was that he had some good conditioning days. Still in the ramp-up process. Looking to have him back in practice on Tuesday. That’s about where we are with that," Nurse said. “All signs are positive conditioning-wise and all those things. Just need to get him some live action.” 

Leading up to the start of the year, many have wondered how Harden was going to play things out. He has not changed his mind on a trade request and still has the LA Clippers as his preferred destination. 

Along with partaking Sixers' walkthrough, Harden is also present for Sunday's matchup against the Blazers on the bench.