James Harden said Tuesday that he¡¯s excited to play for the Philadelphia 76ers, who represent his third team in a 14-month span.

During that stretch, Harden ventured from the Houston Rockets to the Brooklyn Nets before the latter traded him to the Sixers on Thursday. The 32-year-old guard joined veteran forward Paul Millsap in being acquired by Philadelphia for guards Ben Simmons and Seth Curry, center Andre Drummond and a pair of first-round picks.

¡°It wasn¡¯t planned like this,¡± Harden said during his introductory news conference on Tuesday. ¡°Fourteen months ago, I didn¡¯t see myself with three different teams, but we are where we are here today and I¡¯m happy. Last year has been a lot of ups and downs, a lot of stress, but whatever, that¡¯s in the past. I¡¯m excited, I¡¯m healthy, and it¡¯s an opportunity of a lifetime.¡±

That opportunity includes playing with star center Joel Embiid, who is averaging an NBA-best 29.5 points per game entering play on Tuesday.

¡°I think we complement each other,¡± Harden said of Embiid. ¡°Obviously, the whole world knows how great Joel¡¯s been playing. Not just scoring the basketball, rebounding, he got a triple-double last game, his presence alone is unbelievable. I feel like I¡¯m the same way as far as making my teammates better and doing different things to impact the game at the highest level.¡±

When asked if he could elevate the 76ers to a championship this season, Harden didn¡¯t even wait for the question to be completed.

¡°Hell, yeah!¡± he said.

Harden has been nursing a strained left hamstring and hasn¡¯t played since Feb. 2. The 76ers said he will continue his treatment and an update on his status will be given after the All-Star break.

On the season, Harden has played in 44 games, averaging 22.5 points, 10.2 assists and eight rebounds per game.