PHILADELPHIA - James Harden leaned into a microphone and deadpanned that he lost 100 pounds over the summer.
Joel Embiid’s summer vacation — at least, according to the NBA scoring champion — was spent entirely in bed.And what of that NBA investigation into the Philadelphia 76ers for possible tampering in offseason free-agency moves?"The league office does an amazing job," basketball President Daryl Morey said.Well, that seems settled.But for a franchise that has seen a smattering of tumultuous issues and confusing players over the last decade, the 76ers enter the season at peace.
The Sixers enter training camp this week at the Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina, without a significant injury or a holdout or a trade demand or any kind of distraction that could derail them from a serious championship run.Harden has snapped out of the "tough times, lot of dark moments" that plagued him the last couple of seasons as he dealt with injuries.
Embiid is recovered from hand injuries that cost him playoff games."I believe this, this is the best talent I’ve had since I’ve been here," third-year 76ers coach Doc Rivers said at team headquarters in New Jersey.Harden and Embiid can make a dominant pair.