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76ers' James Harden Appears to Call Out Critics in IG Story: 'Let the People Talk'

Joseph Zucker@@JosephZuckerFeatured Columnist IVMay 16, 2022

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 12:  James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers in Game Six of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals at Wells Fargo Center on May 12, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images

James Harden is tuning out the discussion centered around his performance for the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2022 playoffs.

Harden wrote in an Instagram story on Sunday that he's going to "just let the people talk," seemingly referencing the ongoing discourse at which he is the center (warning: image contains profanity):

Chris Williamson @CWilliamson44

James Harden said he sees everything but he not gonna comment on it. <a href="https://t.co/TIZ8skQttR">pic.twitter.com/TIZ8skQttR</a>

There isn't much more that needs to be said about the 10-time All-Star. He averaged 18.6 points and 8.6 assists in 12 playoff games for Philadelphia. When the team needed him to assume a leading role with Joel Embiid clearly less than 100 percent, he simply couldn't deliver.

To some extent, this might be the nadir of Harden's career so far. Having hit rock bottom, perhaps he'll look to atone in the offseason and show up a far different player when the 2022-23 season tips off.

Until that happens, though, Harden's skeptics will probably roll their eyes a bit when reading something like Sunday's comments.