How significant is James Harden's absence in Philly? | First Take

Stephen A. Smith is joined by Monica McNutt to discuss how problematic it might be that James Harden is sitting out until after the All-Star break.
#ESPN #NBA

[sydguitar]

SAS actually made a good point for once, everyone in the media and online was claiming Harden faked the injury but now it's clear as day he was playing hurt when he played those back 2 back games. The media and fans owe Harden an apology

[dom]

They are being cautious with him which I don’t blame them get them ready for the Post all star push . Plus he is going to be extended in the off-season so make sure the contract is worth it

[jalves]

I think the recent emergence of the Celtics is not making a lot of headlines but all of a sudden if they beat Philly tonight they will be one win away from the 4 seed when they were in the play in game not too long ago.

[queyoung]

It's significant because of chemistry. It's not like Philly really needs him in order to get wins in the regular season, they've been winning games this season. However in terms of championship possibilities they'll need Harden.

[sydguitar]

I rather have them wait for Harden to get fully healthy then have him rush back too early like the Nets did with him multiple times which kept leading to more hamstring injuries

[vega]

Think everyone is anxious in seeing him make a debut. He’s 32 and cautious about his health esp. when this is the year to win it all. Gotta be close to 100%. I agree with Stephen “I have a vote” A. Smith with this one 💯

[micah.]

Harden will buy in . He’s inserted into a team built perfectly around him. Wing defenders, star Center, rising 2way pg(maxey), Daryl moray is his man’s plus doc is smart and a player coach .

[deesee]

Harden is the only player who can’t be injured smh so she’s saying she knows better than the doctors who did his X rays. Who decides who has this so called pressure the media acts like it life or death it’s just basketball

[swazgiek]

Molly trying so hard to fit in with the Black crowd at ESPN😂😂

[rodneybell]

All this fake pressure y’all be putting on everyone 😂

[auc.]

Harden will fallout with Embiid like he did with Howard, Cp3, Westbrook, KD and Kyrie. I give this experiment a year.

[moneymarr]

No need with Harden to play 2 meaningless games when he has an opportunity to get 2 more wks of rest on his hammy & be closer to 100%

[dominiquerobinson]

I know this about Harden but I feel like Embiid got a lot of pressure as well. For all Harden's flaws he's still advanced farther than Embiid.

[wladae]

Harden got picked last during the draft for the NBA All-Star game. He’s definitely not happy about that and would rather not participate, hence taking these next big games off before a narrative about it not working begins as well.

[aminuabdullahi]

Mature answers from KD Kyrie and prolly harden when he gets interviewed. Media creates drama FOR NOTHING

[frantzlapointe]

Thank you ESPN for having such a beautiful natural and knowledgable black woman on your channel

[crediblemessenger]

I would not have even traded for him honestly we were good with out him this season and we gave up to much. When he was gonna be a free agent anyway. I’m not feeling this trade at all.

[SaithusX]

I wish I could do these kind of things to my job

[gilbertnicholas]

If he's really hurt this makes the trade look even worse for Philly

[onidtubes]

Sixers really traded Ben, Seth, Drummond, 2 first round picks for A quitter with hamstring problems.