James Harden skips 76ers' practice again, out vs. Hawks

Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden skipped practice Thursday for the second straight day, with the team saying the disgruntled player is away because of a personal matter.

"I think the organization has made it clear what's going on," coach Nick Nurse said at the 76ers' New Jersey complex. "They're working on stuff, as we say, day by day. We had a really good practice today. Very energetic. The guys that were here, that's what we're focused on."

On Friday, Harden was ruled out of the 76ers' preseason finale against the Atlanta Hawks.

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, he made the trade demand.

Harden, who was evasive last week about the status of his trade demand, has been one of the league's top players for the past decade, winning three scoring titles and the 2018 league MVP award. He led the league in assists last season.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.