Insider: Security Had To Block Harden From Boarding Sixers Team Flight

So how is that James Harden thing going in Philly these days? Aside from the latest news that the NBA is now investigating the Philadelphia 76ers decision to not play Harden in Thursday night's national TV game against the Milwaukee Bucks, we've also now learned more details about Harden's attempted return to the team. 

Insider Chris Haynes is reporting that Harden tried to board the team flight to Milwaukee yesterday, but was actually blocked by security officials. 

James Harden went to the airport to join the 76ers on their road trip, and was denied entry onto the team plane by a security official, per @ChrisBHaynes

Yikes. pic.twitter.com/mfUXAiEVw6

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 26, 2023

According to Haynes, the Sixers were "surprised" when their M.I.A. star showed up for practice on Wednesday after being away for 10 days. Team officials "suggested" that he stay behind and work on his conditioning. But The Beard, apparently, just took that as a "suggestion."

When he tried to get on the team flight later, he was stopped by a security official and was denied entry. General manager Elton Brand and head coach Nick Nurse were called in to explain to Harden that the organization "prefers he accepts and follows their workout plan, which includes staying at the practice facility while the team is away.

"James was not happy with that," said Haynes, while adding that he left the airport without further incident.  

He also reports that Harden did go through his conditioning program at the team's practice facility along with the two-way players in Philly on Thursday, as his team geared up for their season opener at night in Milwaukee. 

We certainly haven't heard the last of all this. The Sixers go on to play in Toronto against the Raptors on the weekend, before returning home for a game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday. 

Will Harden be allowed to suit up for that game? Will he want to? Keep it tuned here. 

 Photo: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports