During his introductory press conference with the Los Angeles Clippers, James Harden expressed his dissatisfaction with his former team, the Philadelphia 76ers, stating that he didn't have the freedom to be himself as a player. Harden referred to his time in Philadelphia as being kept on "a leash" offensively and emphasized that he is not just a "system player" but rather a "system" in himself. Joel Embiid, the reigning MVP center, acknowledged Harden's role in the Sixers' offense but pointed out that the team was built around him, and Harden had to adapt to that dynamic.
Despite the differences, Embiid praised Harden's playmaking abilities and wished him success, expressing the hope that they would meet again in the NBA Finals. Harden's frustration seemed to stem from adjusting to a new role as a sidekick after being the focal point of the offense during his time in Houston.
