As shared by Tim Bontemps from ESPN, James Harden will be sidelined until the all-star break due to a left hamstring injury.
According to the Sixers, James Harden will be absent until the All-Star break as he works on his left hamstring recovery, and he won’t participate in the All-Star Game.
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) February 14, 2022
Having recently been traded to the Philadelphia 76ers with Paul Millsap in return for Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, and two first-round draft picks, the 32-year-old Harden’s absence may impact the team’s playoff aspirations.
Given his status as a former MVP, the 76ers are expected to handle his recovery cautiously.
Remarkably, Harden was chosen as the last pick during the 2022 all-star selection process.
Noteworthy replacement candidates in the Eastern Conference could include:
– Pascal Siakam, forward for the Toronto Raptors, boasting averages of 22.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 5.2 assists with impressive shooting efficiency.
– Jarrett Allen, center for the Cleveland Cavaliers, averaging 16.2 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks with strong shooting percentages.
– Jaylen Brown, guard/forward for the Boston Celtics, maintaining averages of 23.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists with solid shooting splits.
With the Raptors, Cavaliers, and Celtics closely positioned in the Eastern Conference standings with one all-star each, Allen seems a probable choice, especially since the all-star game is set to take place in Cleveland.
A decision regarding Harden’s substitute is expected from Commissioner Adam Silver shortly.
Image Source: James Harden @ Instagram
