PHILADELPHIA (94WIP Sportsradio/KYW Newsradio) — James Harden addressed the media for the first time as a Philadelphia 76er on Tuesday, just a few minutes after Ben Simmons wrapped up his press conference in Brooklyn.
"Originally, when I was going through everything I was going through in Houston, Philly was my top choice," Harden said. "I just knew for a very long time, this was a perfect fit."
Harden said he will opt into his contract with the 76ers for the 2022-23 NBA seasons.
At the press conference, he also talked about playing with Joel Embiid.
"I think we complicate each other," said Harden. "Obviously, the whole world knows how well Joel has been playing. We are both at a high level to figure it out. Joel does literally everything on the court."
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When asked about the Philly fans, Harden called them the "best in the NBA."
"I'm just happy that they're on my side and I'm not getting booed, booed as the opposing team," Harden added.
He also emphatically responded when asked about whether he saw winning an NBA title as possible this spring.
"Hell yeah," he twice uttered.
On Monday, the Sixers announced Harden will be out through the All-Star Game so he can rehabilitate hamstring tightness, but he said he felt healthy. Philadelphia's first game after the break is on Feb. 25 at Minnesota. Their first post-All-Star break home game is on March 2 against the Knicks.
Harden was replaced in the All-Star game by Cleveland's Jarrett Allen.
