“Wasn’t My Choice”: Collateral Damage of James Harden Fiasco Reflects on Shocking 76ers Trade Before Confronting Clippers

After losing to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Philadelphia 76ers hope to bounce back against their co-tenants, the Los Angeles Clippers. Sunday afternoon will mark James Harden first game against his former club after being forced out earlier this season. After an offseason saga of Harden throwing tantrums about being moved, he was traded during the first week of the regular season to the Clippers. In return, the Sixers received a large number of draft picks and key players, including Nicolas Batum, KJ Martin, Robert Covington and Marcus Morris Sr.

It was any other morning for Batum, who woke up to take his kids to school and watch the Clippers’ morning shootout until his wife told him the heartbreaking news. And even though Batum had a successful season with the Sixers, that hasn’t softened the blow yet. Before returning to the building where he had lived for four years, Batum reflected on his unexpected profession. “It wasn’t my choice!” I didn’t ask to be here, but it’s good… when you go to another team, you have to be a pro. I’m going to do my job and it’s a good situation. I was traded to a good team and we had injuries up and down, but it’s a good situation. says the 35-year-old.

Batum’s versatility has been instrumental in the Sixers’ playoff push, especially with reigning MVP Joel Embiid recovering from knee surgery. In Embiid’s absence, Batum has taken on a variety of roles, from starting and coming off the bench to playing as a small-ball center. He showed his adaptability by also serving as an incoming player at times. Despite Batum’s contributions, Philadelphia has struggled without its star big man, going 9-15 in his recent absence.

Update on Joel Embiid’s return

Embiid had a phenomenal season, dominating the MVP rankings with his 35.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.8 blocks per game in 34 games. However, his momentum was halted when Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga accidentally landed on his left leg while scrambling for a loose ball during the team’s 119-107 victory on January 30. Since Embiid’s injury, the 76ers have struggled, particularly in the paint. Before the injury, Philadelphia ranked sixth in the league in shots attempted in the restricted area per game, but they have since dropped to 15th, relying more on long-range shots.

However, according to John Clark of NBC Sports Philadelphia, the “hope” is that Embiid will be back in 2-3 weeks. This follows the big man’s return to training with the team. If he returns in two weeks, Embiid could be back in action against the Miami Heat on April 2. However, if it takes three weeks, his return could be delayed until the 76ers’ penultimate regular season game on April 12.