LeBron James has used basketball diplomacy to connect fans in the U.S. and China.

Joel Embiid is done for the season, at last shut down following the lingering effects of knee surgery.

The 76ers are a team in trouble.

The NBA is returning to China next season.

The Philadelphia 76ers continued to build around their star trio of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George with the addition of free-agent forward Caleb Martin.

The Philadelphia 76ers wasted yet another season of Joel Embiid’s prime.

When it comes to artificial intelligence, the sports analytics crowd may be outnumbered.

Philadelphia 76ers team president Daryl Morey expressed optimism on Friday that reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid would return from a knee injury in time for a possible postseason run.

Philadelphia 76ers President Daryl Morey is the executive producer of a basketball-themed musical called “Small Ball.”.

A person familiar with the trade says the Philadelphia 76ers have traded James Harden to the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Philadelphia 76ers finished their entire preseason schedule without James Harden playing for them.

Philadelphia 76ers coach Nick Nurse said he had no explanation for why James Harden skipped practice Wednesday but planned to proceed as if the disgruntled guard will play in the preseason finale.

Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden remained steadfast that his fractured relationship with the front office can’t be repaired.

The Philadelphia 76ers are tuning out the noise around disgruntled guard James Harden and his trade demand.

James Harden returned to the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday, with the disgruntled guard who had been seeking a trade back at training camp as an active participant.

James Harden skipped the Philadelphia 76ers’ media day and his status for training camp this week in Colorado is unclear because the franchise has yet to meet the disgruntled guard’s demand for a trade.

The NBA has fined Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden $100,000 for public comments he made about his status with the team.

A person with knowledge of the details says the NBA is investigating the reasons behind James Harden calling Philadelphia 76ers president Daryl Morey a liar.

James Harden appears determined to sever ties with the Philadelphia 76ers after the star guard called team President Daryl Morey a liar at a promotional event at China.

James Harden appears determined to sever ties with the Philadelphia 76ers after the star guard called team President Daryl Morey a liar at a promotional event at China.

The Philadelphia 76ers fired coach Doc Rivers following a third straight exit in the second round of the playoffs.

A person familiar with the deal says the Philadelphia 76ers have agreed to a two-year contract with free agent center Montrezl Harrell.

The Philadelphia 76ers and James Harden have agreed on a new multi-year contract.

The NBA generated more basketball related income than ever this past season, the total number coming up just short of $9 billion.

The Philadelphia 76ers went 51-31 and lost in the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

James Harden has an MVP and several scoring titles on his mantle – and now he’s ready to add a championship trophy.

The Brooklyn Nets no longer needed to wait for Kevin Durant to get healthy, or for Kyrie Irving to get vaccinated, or for James Harden to make a decision about free agency.

James Harden will not play for the Philadelphia 76ers in games Friday and Saturday night.

The Philadelphia 76ers have traded Ben Simmons to the Brooklyn Nets for James Harden as part of a multiplayer deal.

A Chinese professional tennis player not seen in public since she accused a former top government official of sexual assault purportedly sent an email claiming she was safe and that the allegation was false.

Chinese broadcaster and NBA partner Tencent has deleted all references to the Boston Celtics from its platforms, in apparent response to comments Celtics center Enes Kanter made to advocate Tibetan independence.

Ben Simmons has reported to the Philadelphia 76ers but the disgruntled All-Star guard still may not play for the franchise.

Ben Simmons could return to the Philadelphia 76ers.

New Dallas coach Jason Kidd is already thinking of ways to tell Luka Doncic he has help on the roster.

There will be a Houston Rockets reunion in Philadelphia sports leadership with Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) announcing Tad Brown as their new CEO, meaning he’ll oversee properties including both the the Philadelphia 76ers of the NBA and the New Jersey Devils of the NHL, as well as the Prudential Center.

The Philadelphia 76ers have to figure out if Ben Simmons can be fixed in the offseason.

The Philadelphia 76ers face an uncertain future after an early exit in the playoffs.

The Philadelphia 76ers have not played like a top seed in the East against the Atlanta Hawks.

Miami Heat President Pat Riley has been fined $25,000 by the NBA for being too clear that he’d eagerly welcome a reunion with LeBron James.

Actor John Cena has apologized to fans in China after he called Taiwan a country in a promotional interview for his upcoming film and became the latest celebrity to face the fury of Chinese nationalists.

The Philadelphia 76ers are trying to make quick work of the Washington Wizards as they open their first-round playoff series on Sunday.

Seth Curry scored 20 points, Joel Embiid had 13 points and 11 rebounds and the Philadelphia 76ers clinched the top seed for the playoffs in the Eastern Conference with a 122-97 victory over the Orlando Magic on Friday night.

Morey hasn't had to make any major moves in his first season running the Philadelphia 76ers. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)PHILADELPHIA – Like any top NBA executive this time of the season, Daryl Morey is trying to better his roster. “I just grabbed all the Sixers,” Morey said. “Younger fans want to feel like they’re part of something,” Morey told The Associated Press in an interview this week. “Well, we happen to have the best inside players in the NBA,” Morey said.

FILE - In this Feb. 19, 2021, file photo, Philadelphia 76ers' Joel Embiid reacts after making a basket during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Chicago Bulls in Philadelphia. “The fans are always there for me when I play,” Embiid said. Ad“It’s nice to have a big guy in the MVP talk,” Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal told The Associated Press. AdHe is trying to become the first Sixer to win NBA MVP — the fans call it an MVBiid campaign — since Iverson in 2001. Nobody can guard you.’ I think that’s a big reason he’s having the season he’s having.”Morey, though, is fine with Embiid shooting from deep.

Portland Trail Blazers' Rodney Hood, left, tries to dribble past Philadelphia 76ers' Seth Curry during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021, in Philadelphia. Gary Trent Jr. scored 24 points and Enes Kanter had 17 points and 18 rebounds to lead the undermanned Trail Blazers to a 121-105 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night. Carmelo Anthony had 22 points and a Trail Blazers team with four starters missing led by as many as 29 points against the top team in the East. “But on both ends of the floor, the other guys did an amazing job today.”Joel Embiid scored 37 points for the Sixers. Throw in four players already out with injuries -- including Jusuf Nurkic (wrist) and McCollum (left foot) -- and the Trail Blazers were down to nine players.

Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) passes the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers during the third quarter of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2021, in Houston. (Troy Taormina/Pool Photo via AP)NEW YORK – James Harden used his final interview in Houston to say that his team wasn't good enough. “You just add that all together, and it’s like, that’s a legit chance right there,” Harden said. General manager Daryl Morey and coach Mike D'Antoni weren't going to return and Harden didn't believe in the roster left behind. That seems OK with Harden — as long as the Nets are winning.

Houston Rockets guard James Harden shoots over Portland Trail Blazers forward Robert Covington during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020. (AP Photo/Steve Dykes)NEW YORK – The NBA fined Philadelphia president of basketball operations Daryl Morey $50,000 on Monday for a since-deleted tweet about Houston’s James Harden that violated the league’s anti-tampering rule. Typically, teams are prohibited from discussing players under contract to other teams and the NBA has warned clubs that it can be considered tampering. A tweet by Morey in 2019 led to major problems for the NBA and its relationship with China. NBA games were not shown on CCTV, China's state broadcaster, for one year after that since-deleted tweet.

“Obviously, I’m not the easiest guy to understand,” Westbrook said. Westbrook was at practice on Saturday with the Wizards, the team that sent former No. “I’m here in Washington,” Westbrook replied. “I’m all about trying to do things the right way, regardless of if anybody likes it or not,” Westbrook said. “My thing is making sure that I’m doing the right thing for the right people and impacting as many people as possible.”___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Simmons says hes 100% healthy following surgery on his left knee in August that kept him from playing in the postseason. “I mean, you can’t just come into a situation like the bubble if you guys aren’t ready and don’t have that chemistry and accountability already,” Simmons said Friday. The same team Rivers coached last season that blew a 3-1 playoff series lead in the Western Conference semis and led him to leaving Los Angeles? Simmons said accountability -- the new buzzword in Philly - starts with the players. I think Doc would say the same thing, I go out there and make plays.”___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Pressed on Embiid and Simmons, Morey quipped he was low on the tenure board. “I think they absolutely can work together,” Morey said, “but Doc’s been here a little longer than me. “Whatever my role needs to be, I accept that role,” Brand said. “The goal is not to shoot 3-pointers, the goal is to win,” Morey said. Or Morey and Rivers, who bring decades of sustained winning to Philly and will demand players do it their way?

The Houston Rockets and Stephen Silas have an agreement for the Dallas assistant to replace Mike D'Antoni as coach, multiple people with knowledge of the deal said Wednesday. Silas inherits a team led by a pair of former MVPs in Harden and Russell Westbrook. The longtime NBA assistant has worked worked with elite guards before, most recently in two seasons with the Mavericks and 21-year-old sensation Luka Doncic. The nine seasons as a Charlotte assistant for Silas included time with Kemba Walker, and he was with Golden State when the Warriors drafted Stephen Curry in 2009. Paul Silas spent 16 years as a player in the NBA and another 22 as a coach.

Morey stepped down as GM of the Rockets earlier this month after failing to lead the franchise to the NBA Finals. The Rockets made the playoffs 10 times since Morey was hired in 2007, including the last eight seasons, for the longest active streak in the NBA. Morey and the Rockets split a little over a year after he sparked a rift between the NBA and Chinese government. Morey caused an international uproar last year when he tweeted support for anti-government protesters in Hong Kong. Morey tweeted an image that said: “Fight For Freedom.

Here’s what the KPRC team is watching as the week beginsTEXANS - POTENTIAL TRADES? Yes, former head coach and general manager Bill O’Brien is gone; but the damage done from trades and odd roster choices is still evident every Sunday. With the loss to the Packers, the Texans enter their BYE week; usually a week of rest. ROCKETS - NEW HEAD COACH? Keeping George Springer will be expensive, so General Manager James Click has some decisions to make.

HOUSTON – Greetings from the Xfinity Sports Desk and KPRC Channel 2 Sports. Here is what’s happening on the sports scene across Houston this week and the days ahead. Top candidates include Jeff Van Gundy who coached the Rockets from 2003 through the 2007 season along with John Lucas. HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALLThe regular season is flying by after getting off to a late start. That’s it from the Xfinity Sports Desk and KPRC Channel 2 Sports!

Rockets general manager Daryl Morey is stepping down on his own accord, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press. All rights reserved)Daryl Morey - Houston Rockets general managerRockets General Manager Daryl Morey stepped down Thursday, and the decision was mutual, according to KPRC 2 sources. Coach Bill O'Brien speak after Texans fall to Chiefs (KPRC)Bill O’Brien - Texans head coach and general managerAfter an 0-4 start to the season, Texans fired head coach and general manager Bill O’Brien on October 5. Mike D’Antoni - Houston Rockets head coachShortly after the Houston Rockets exited the NBA playoffs, head coach Mike D’Antoni announced he was not returning next season. Houston Astros manager A.J.

FILE - This is a July 26, 2019, file photo showing Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey during an NBA basketball news conference, in Houston. Rockets general manager Daryl Morey is stepping down on his own accord, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)HOUSTON – Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey is stepping down on his own accord, a little over a year after sparking a rift between the NBA and Chinese government. Fertitta added that Morey is helping him through the transition and they'll promote vice president of basketball operations Rafael Stone to general manager. Morey worked as Houston's assistant general manager for one season under Carroll Dawson before he retired after the 2007 season and Morey was promoted to his job.

HOUSTON – Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey stepped down from his position Thursday, and according to KPRC 2 sources, the decision was mutual. Confirmed ESPN report that #Rockets GM Daryl Morey is stepping down . @KPRC2 — Randy McIlvoy (@KPRC2RandyMc) October 15, 2020The Rockets have made the playoffs 10 times since Morey was hired in 2007, including the last eight seasons. Morey was responsible for the blockbuster trade that brought James Harden to Houston from Oklahoma City. Morey tweeted an image that said: “Fight For Freedom.

From China to Disney, this was an NBA season like none other — and quite probably like none ever again. The NBA offseason has officially started, the bubble at Walt Disney World is closed and the Lakers have their 17th championship. But while a difficult season is over, the difficulties the league and players face are not. The players fight against racial inequality and their quest for social justice, which were top priorities of this NBA restart, continue. And while nobody knows when the next NBA game is, the Lakers’ LeBron James began looking forward during the trophy ceremony celebrating his fourth title.

Employees watch a live broadcast of Game 5 of the NBA Finals at an NBA store in Beijing, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020. The NBA is returning to Chinese state television after a one-year absence. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – The NBA is returning to Chinese state television after a one-year absence. “In the Chinese National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival that just passed, the NBA expressed holiday blessings to Chinese fans," the China Media Group, essentially the operator of CCTV, said in a statement. NBA games have been available to Chinese fans on the streaming service Tencent, another of the league’s broadcast partners.

HOUSTON – Mike D’Antoni parted ways with the Houston Rockets on Sunday and the Rockets are looking for a new head coach. Sources: There is mutual interest between the Rockets and Clippers assistant coach Sam Cassell. Former Cavaliers head coach and NBA champion Tyronn Lue was fired shortly after LeBron left and caught on with Doc Rivers in Los Angeles. Kidd made the playoffs in three of his five seasons as a head coach, but struggled with a strong Bucks team in 2017-18, which ended up making the playoffs without him. The superstars decided they didn’t want Atkinson as head coach, and now he’s looking for a job.

(AP Photo/John Raoux, File)After four months of waiting and planning, the NBA bubble is ready to be tested. The first six teams Brooklyn, Denver, Orlando, Phoenix, Utah and Washington are scheduled to arrive Tuesday at the Disney complex. Another eight teams arrive Wednesday, the last eight arrive Thursday, and with that training camps will be on the cusp of beginning. If the plan works, all teams will be at Disney for at least 5-1/2 weeks and some teams will be there for more than three months. But once the games start, theyre every other day, I think the players will be fine.