NBA Insider Reveals Shocking Details on the Poor Conditioning of James Harden: “Didn’t Help His Slow Adjustment to the NBA’s New Foul Changes”

On Thursday, the Nets sold former MVP James Harden to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for a package that included three-time All-Star point guard Ben Simmons, who has not played this season due to personal issues.

When it came to James Harden, the Brooklyn Nets seemed satisfied to offer little more than ‘good riddance.’ But, if we’re being honest, who would have guessed he’d be the first of their big three to be dealt.

James Harden Kyrie Irving

Due to his personal desire to be moved, James Harden was the first to go. When it finally happened, many predicted that the tone in the Nets’ locker room would deteriorate.

Jake Fischer reveals James Harden and his poor conditioning at Brooklyn Nets

“Harden’s poor conditioning didn’t help his slow adjustment to the NBA’s new foul changes. Durant and Nash wanted a free-flowing offense, which Mike D’Antoni had helped install last season, but Harden preferred his patented iso ball. Brooklyn coaches noticed Harden would roll his eyes when an after-timeout play was designed for Durant,” Sources said according to Jake Fischer.

Brooklyn Nets now have a new trio of Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, and Ben Simmons at their disposal. However, Kyrie Irving will not be able to feature in the home games this season due to the strict health and safety regulations of New York City. He. however, will be available for the road games. Kevin Durant is out injured and will come back now anytime soon. Ben Simmons is also working on his conditioning and will be able for a selection after the All-star game.

James Harden
May 22, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden (13) celebrates after the game where they defeated the Boston Celtics 104-93 in game one in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports

With Harden facing so much criticism, there’s another incident that has caught the eyes of the critics. Harden, apparently, hasn’t filed the paperwork for the 2022-23 opt-in with the Sixers. Harden could opt-in to his $47.4 million contract for next season in late June and then sign a four-year, $223 million deal in August.