Now that James Harden has left the Brooklyn Nets for the Philadelphia 76ers, we are starting to hear more information about what went wrong.
It is now becoming very apparent that Harden was supremely unhappy with the team and the way it was run…and had been for a while.
Durant and Nash wanted a free-flowing offense while Harden wanted iso ball, per @JakeLFischer
Nets staff noticed Harden would roll his eyes when plays were designed for Durant 😳 pic.twitter.com/sDrP1HMFfb
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 15, 2022
It is being reported that Harden butted heads with head coach Steve Nash and Nets star Kevin Durant about how the team’s offense should work.
Apparently, Harden preferred iso ball while Durant and Nash desired a “free-flowing offense.”
Iso ball refers to a sort of play that leans on one-on-one matchups, where a player relies on themselves to make plays and make points.
According to Bleacher Report, Harden would actually roll his eyes when a proposed play was designed for Durant.
This just goes to show how much Harden wasn’t enjoying himself in Brooklyn.
Yet, it also suggests that the same issues could arise again in Philadelphia.
More To Come?
It is no secret that Harden likes iso basketball.
He has taken to that style again and again throughout his career but lately, it’s been harder to find.
The entire concept of iso ball doesn’t work on a team like the Nets, with so many different and talented players ready to make plays.
Harden’s desire for iso was never going to work out in Brooklyn and it might not work out in Philadelphia either.
While he will definitely get more of this “hero style” play style in Philly, he will still be expected to foster a team dynamic, especially with possible MVP Joel Embiid.
The days of Harden playing iso ball ended when he left the Houston Rockets, who really did see him as the heart and soul of the team and allowed him to pretty much play as he pleased.
NEXT: Steph Curry Reacts To His Brother's Nets Debut