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Philadelphia 76ers managing partner Josh Harris watches from courtside during a playoff game, as the franchise faces mounting fan frustration following a second-round exit and a viral fan ejection incident.
Philadelphia 76ers managing partner Josh Harris addressed growing fan frustration Thursday after a viral incident in which a fan was allegedly ejected for shouting “sell the team” during a playoff game.
Speaking at the team’s practice facility following a turbulent week for the franchise, Harris acknowledged the backlash while emphasizing his commitment to building a championship contender.
“Yeah, look, again, I mean, I think I’m very focused on setting up the team and the club to push through the second round, get to the NBA championship and achieve our goals,” Harris said. “I care deeply for the team. No one’s more frustrated than I am. I understand people’s frustration.”
The controversy stems from Game 4 of Philadelphia’s Eastern Conference semifinal series, when a fan was allegedly removed after repeatedly yelling for Harris to sell the team.
“Are you gonna accept this? Why are they kicking me out?” the fan said in a video circulated on social media. “I told Josh Harris to sell the team and they wanna kick me out. Why? … Sell the team, Josh!”
I am told this person was removed from Sunday’s Sixers game after repeatedly yelling at Josh Harris to sell the team.
Was told the gentleman was generally friendly and respectful to those around him and security was informed as such by other patrons.
The moment quickly spread online, capturing the mood of a frustrated fan base after the New York Knicks swept the 76ers.
Philadelphia’s playoff exit intensified scrutiny on ownership and front office leadership, particularly after the team failed to advance past the second round for the sixth consecutive time under president Daryl Morey.
Harris struck a conciliatory tone when asked about fan sentiment, reiterating that he shares the disappointment.
“All I can tell you is that I’m sweating it really hard,” Harris said. “I’m sweating it just as hard, or harder, than any of the fans. That’s what I’m focused on, and I understand people’s frustration.”
The Sixers fired Morey on Tuesday, ending his six-year tenure, and announced that former Golden State Warriors executive Bob Myers will oversee basketball operations while leading the search for a replacement.
Harris framed the move as part of a broader reset.
“This is about going out and bringing in someone as talented as Bob to help Philly achieve its goals,” Harris said. “This is the next step in our evolution.”
Myers, who built four championship teams with Golden State, is expected to guide the organization through a critical offseason.
He said Thursday the Sixers hope to hire a new president of basketball operations before the NBA Draft on June 23-24, but will prioritize finding the right candidate over speed.
Philadelphia went 270-212 in the regular season under Morey but just 28-26 in the playoffs, with no conference finals appearances.
Harris also addressed criticism that the Sixers have been reluctant to spend aggressively.
“The front office absolutely has the green light to go into the luxury tax,” he said. “It’s not an issue.”
The owner pointed to the organization’s investments in facilities and player contracts, pushing back on the perception that financial constraints have limited roster moves.
Still, fans have questioned the team’s inactivity at recent trade deadlines, especially in a season when the Eastern Conference appeared wide open.
The Sixers now enter a pivotal offseason facing pressure to reshape a roster that once again fell short of expectations.
Harris maintained that he remains committed to delivering a championship-caliber team.
“To our fans, your frustration and disappointment are understandable and warranted,” he said earlier this week. “We have fallen well short of our own expectations and failed to deliver in the way this city deserves.”
For now, the organization’s focus shifts to its front office search and to repairing trust with a fan base that has made its feelings increasingly clear.
Alder Almo is a veteran NBA reporter for Heavy.com, covering the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors. He brings over 20 years of experience across local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Originally from the Philippines, he is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
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