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James Harden Puts ‘Bad Teammate’ Narrative To Bed With MVP Gift For Joel Embiid

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James Harden on the floor during a Sixers playoff game.

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James Harden had quite the gift for his teammate, who recently earned a major NBA honor. Sixers big man Joel Embiid was named league MVP this week, and Harden wanted to give his congratulations.

Harden gave Embiid a new Rolex, which has led to a reaction from fans online. Many believe it puts the “bad teammate” narrative to bed.

Embiid had a monster year in Philadelphia, posting 33 points and 10 boards a night to help the 76ers land the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference playoff bracket.

That production has continued into the postseason, where he’s averaging 20 points and 11 rebounds per game, though an injury has kept him sidelined for the last few nights.

Embiid’s on-court performance made him a front-runner to deny Nikola Jokic a third consecutive MVP honor. On Tuesday, the mission was accomplished.

As a way of congratulating his teammate, James Harden gifted Embiid a Rolex.

That watch had a custom engraving on the back that read, “23 MVP.”

Now, many around the NBA world have been quick to call Harden out as a bad teammate. A number of media and fans have hinted that he wants out of Philadelphia, saying that he’d rather return to Houston.

This latest act seems to contradict that narrative.

One person wrote, “Tell me again how James Harden is a cancer to his teammates and wants to leave for the Huston Rockets.”

Someone else commented, “James Harden is a tremendous teammate and person!”

Many are saying the Sixers need to go ahead and offer Harden a max contract. It’s worth noting that he took a pay cut last year to help build the roster.

Philadelphia has some time to think about that next decision. First, they’ll look to land an NBA championship.

The Sixers are currently up 1-0 on the Boston Celtics in the second round of the postseason. Game 2 of the series tips off on Wednesday.