Two Weeks to Go!
I’m not sure it’d even be surprising if Daryl Morey did something wild like not trading Harden…
With the start of the new week, we’re now one week closer to the beginning of the 2023-24 NBA season. But this Tuesday, while the midweek blues start to set in and your focus is normally on getting over hump day in order to make it to the weekend, the feeling will be a bit different.
Tuesday, Oct. 10 marks exactly the two-week mark from the first NBA games of the new season—a doubleheader on TNT featuring the Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns against the Golden State Warriors.
We’re almost there, so just buckle up and enjoy the final stretch of the offseason, because the NBA can never guarantee an off-day from drama, especially when James Harden is still on the Philadelphia 76ers.
Latest on James Harden’s Desire to Leave Sixers
Make no doubt about it, regardless of what you hear in NBA rumors, James Harden still wants out of Philly. But for the time being, he’s opted not to cause a scene with his teammates. Harden was at training camp this past week (after skipping media day) and his teammates essentially vowed across the board that he wasn’t a distraction.
James Harden training camp clips so far: pic.twitter.com/ooMMDDImKb
— Sai (@LeGoatedOne) October 4, 2023
If we’re being honest, considering how ridiculous this entire process has played out, I’m not sure it’d even be surprising if Daryl Morey did something wild like not trading Harden at all if he did cause a scene at camp—but that’s a complete guess.
A Real Report on James Harden’s Potential Trade (!!)
Considering the movement in a potential trade involving Harden has been like watching paint dry, seeing ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on NBA Countdown actually giving an update felt like it was a pretty massively exciting moment. Although Woj didn’t give us anything that points to a deal being near, he did provide some insight into the situation.
According to the longtime insider, the Los Angeles Clippers do want to get a deal done and have reportedly offered the Sixers a first-round pick, pick swap, and expiring contacts.
WE0f40fr4wefre pic.twitter.com/tWkNaKNFEj
— CyrusTheVirus (@CyrusTheVirusP) October 9, 2023
I know it’s not huge breaking news, but it might be the most excited I’ve been about any NBA news involving a Harden trade to this point—mainly because I’m hoping it means the end might be near.
Chris Paul’s Preseason Debut With Warriors Going Swimmingly
While Paul’s stat line during a 13-minute preseason opener that marked his debut with the Golden State Warriors was solid, it seems head coach Steve Kerr is loving every minute of it. Paul, who scored six points with five assists in the preseason opener against the Lakers, received a glowing review from Kerr.
Kerr discussed the impact Paul makes on the floor after the game, calling the point guard “amazing” and saying it’s “really fun to have him on our side.”
“There’s a pace to the game that is fun to watch as a coach, where you just kind of know he’s going to be making the right play over and over,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said of Paul after the game. “He understands when we need to pull it back and get into an action, or play faster, because he understands the rhythm of the game. So, Chris is amazing. Really fun to have him on our side, finally.”
“Really fun to have him on our side.“
Steve Kerr continues to be impressed with Chris Paul’s understanding of the game pic.twitter.com/BEVZTwrHJF
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) October 8, 2023
We all know Steve Kerr loves his small-ball lineups, so this has to be the closest thing to a real-life dream imaginable.
Quick Hitters
We’re trying out a bit of a “quick-hit” spot here on some cool/noteworthy bits that aren’t worth the full sections.
Zion Looks Explosive: I know, I know, every season we get a few Zion Williamson videos that start to go viral of him doing something insane. A crazy dunk, ridiculous block, etc. But is this the season he manages to stay healthy? It’d be fun to watch if so.
Zion Williamson is back!
Looks more explosive than ever!
Can he finally have a full NBA season without any drama? ‼️🤔pic.twitter.com/Ae0yygNTYj
— BallTalkSource (@BallTalkSource) October 9, 2023
Zach LaVine Trade Talks?: Could Harden be just ONE of the upcoming big names on the move? That’s probably taking it a bit too far, but ESPN’s Jamal Collier reported that teams have “checked in” on LaVine’s availability via trade. Unfortunately, per NBA rumors, no one is willing to meet the asking price for LaVine to this point.
No team willing to meet Bulls asking price for Zach LaVine
“Rival teams have checked in with the Bulls about LaVine’s availability, but no team has been willing to meet Chicago’s reportedly large asking price.”
(Via @JamalCollier ) pic.twitter.com/ixMmds1irB
— BASKETBALL ON 𝕏 (@BasketballOnX) October 9, 2023
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