CAMDEN, N.J. — Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden skipped practice Thursday for the second straight day, with the team officially saying the disgruntled player is away because of a personal matter. «I think the organization has made it clear what's going on,» coach Nick Nurse said at the 76ers' New Jersey complex. «They're working on stuff, as we say, day by day.
We had a really good practice today. Very energetic. The guys that were here, that's what we're focused on.» Harden has yet to play in the preseason.
He did attend training camp and continued to practice with the 76ers in the wake of his offseason trade demand. Harden said last week his fractured relationship with team president Daryl Morey could not be repaired — comparing it to a broken marriage — and said over the summer that he could not play for the 76ers.
Part of Harden's complaint stems from his belief he should have earned a long-term contract with the Sixers after last season.