Philadelphia 76ers All-Star James Harden is blamed by his former Rockets coach Kevin McHale for losing his job: ‘He was fat…and I got fired’
Philadelphia 76ers 10-time All-Star James Harden’s name has hit the headlines again after being ripped by his former Houston Rockets head coach Kevin McHale.
Harden was one of the most talked about stars in the NBA this season – again – due to his trade request from the 76ers after signing into the final year of his contract.
In the final chapter in this season’s Harden trade drama book, he branded 76ers president and general manager Daryl Morey a “liar” and said he would “never be part of an organization where he (Morey) is a part of.” matters’.
McHale has now given the latest chapter in the Harden saga as he recently claimed in a chat with Heavy sports that the seven-time All-NBA player came up with a plan to have him fired in the 2015-16 season after the Western Conference Semifinals.
The then Rockets head coach infamously benched Harden during the fourth quarter of Game 6 against the Los Angeles Clippers.
James Harden has been called up by his former Houston Rockets head coach Kevin McHale
McHale (R) accused Harden of plotting to make him fire from the missiles
Harden is in the middle of yet another trade story as he is currently looking to leave the 76ers
“The next year he came to camp, he was fat and didn’t feel like playing, and I got fired (11) games into the season,” McHale said. “He had a plan.”
McHale was fired after a 4-7 start that season and coincidentally, this isn’t the first time Harden has been accused of being out of shape to get his way in Houston.
Ahead of the 2020-2021 season, Harden showed up both late and noticeably out of shape at Rockets training camp — to the point that some fans accused him of wearing a “fat suit” during warmups after famously demanding to keep Houston would leave.
Harden and his lack of interest in being properly conditioned until he got his way finally worked when he was dealt with the Brooklyn Nets.
This theory was also likely factored into an ESPN social media post mocking Harden after he was seen with a pile of burgers at Miami’s Rolling Loud music festival, which Harden eventually called out in the comments.
Whether or not Harden will come camping with the 76ers in shape — or at all — this season is still up for debate following the organization’s decision to end trade talks.
Fellow superstar Kyrie Irving recently defended Harden over his harsh assessment of Morey.