James Harden skips 76ers practice, leaving coach Nick Nurse unsure of what comes next

CAMDEN, N.J. (AP) — Philadelphia 76ers coach Nick Nurse said he no explanation for why James Harden skipped practice on Wednesday but planned to proceed as if the disgruntled guard will play in the preseason finale.

“If he's here, we go; if he's not here, we go,” Nurse told reporters at the 76ers' New Jersey complex.

Harden has yet to play in the preseason. He did attend training camp and continued to practice with the 76ers in the wake of his offseason trade demand. Harden said last week his fractured relationship with team president Daryl Morey could not be repaired — comparing it to a broken marriage — and said over the summer that he could not play for the 76ers.

Part of Harden’s complaint stems from his belief he should have earned a long-term contract with the Sixers after last season. It never came, thus the trade demand.