Ime Udoka finally reveals TRUTH about Rockets declining James Harden chance to return to Houston

It was reported earlier that Udoka rejected James Harden's wish to leave the Sixers for the Rockets.

Ime Udoka finally reveals TRUTH about Rockets declining James Harden chance to return to Houston

Ime Udoka and James Harden(Credit- NBC Sports Boston)

Houston Rockets‘ newly appointed head coach Ime Udoka made uncommon remarks about the team’s free agency decisions, shedding light on their choice between Fred VanVleet and James Harden. Udoka, stepping into his first season as coach, openly discussed why they opted for VanVleet over a reunion with “The Beard” Harden.

This decision, as per Udoka, pivoted on VanVleet’s ability to operate effectively off the ball. He said that the choice was about finding a “better fit.” While Udoka addressed rumors suggesting he didn’t want Harden back in Houston, he pushed back on those claims, stating his focus was strictly based on the comparability of the roster.

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“Nothing against James,” Udoka told ESPN, “but Fred is just a better fit. I coached James in Brooklyn. He’s one of the smartest players I’ve ever been around. The words ‘Ime doesn’t want James’ never came out of my mouth. It was, ‘Let’s look at the best fit.’ If we want Jalen and the young guys to take the next steps, we need them to have the ball. As for me saying I don’t want James, that was never the case. It was about fit.”

Udoka’s comments has added layers to the ongoing discussions, stirring speculation about the team’s strategic direction and the dynamics surrounding their choices in the acquisition of players.

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Amid trade speculation, James Harden reports to the 76ers training

Amidst a tumultuous off-season marked by trade requests and controversy after calling his team’s general manager a “liar”, Philadelphia 76ers‘ star James Harden made a notable return to their training camp at Colorado State University.

Sixers’ head coach Nick Nurse observed Harden’s active involvement throughout his time in training, praising his physical condition and overall performance during practice.

James Harden (Credit-NBA.com)

“He looked good,” Nurse said when asked about Harden’s next steps. “That’s what I want to say, is he looked good, and I just think it’s always in coordination with strength and medical (personnel) and the player on how fast they’re going to go get all the way through there. Like I said, he looked good, participated in the majority of it anyway. Looked like he’s physically in good shape.”

Despite Harden’s absence from media events and training camp’s initial sessions, teammates like Daniel House Jr. and Tobias Harris reported and emphasized the positive impact of his presence. Harris defended Harden’s approach, stating that, as grown professionals, the team understands the business aspects of basketball.

While the exact extent of Harden’s participation and his future plans with the team remain uncertain, the 76ers set to start their pre-season against the Boston Celtics.

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