James Harden is arguably one of the three greatest offensive players this league has ever seen. He was a three-level scorer. Harden could attack at the rim, he could beat you from a distance, and he could hit his free throws. He scored the most points by any player last decade. While the bearded assassin was the face of the Houston Rockets for over five years, things are now changing for him.
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After going injury-free for most of his career, they are finally coming thick and fast. For the last two seasons, he has missed time because of injuries. And it is becoming tougher for him to get in shape. Harden now looks like a shell of what he used to be and his conditioning is playing a part in it.
USA Today via Reuters
May 8, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden (1) reacts to his three pointer against the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter in game four of the second round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
During a news segment recently, NFL legend Shannon Sharpe took him to the task. Commenting on how Harden hangs out with musicians and rappers, Shannon said “They can sleep all day. They get to do this till they are fifty…….Snoop’s still performing …Snoop about to be fifty“. He further continued “You realize James Harden as an athlete…you don’t have that kind of a shelf life… bruh get you b*tt in the gym and stop hanging out at the clubs and start trying to do it at.. burn both end of the candle”. You can see the video below-
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An important off-season for James Harden
Teams have traded for Harden in two consecutive seasons now. But the results have not been up to the mark both the times. He is expected to pick his player option for this season. But then the 76ers management will have to decide on him.
USA Today via Reuters
May 8, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden (1) reacts with center Joel Embiid (21) after a score against the Miami Heat during the second quarter in game four of the second round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Will they give a max contract to a player knowing he is declining at a rapid speed? They would also have to pay Tyrese Maxey after next season. Joel Embiid’s health is also a question. Can they do enough to make full use of Embiid’s peak years? Let us know in the comments what you think the 76ers should do.
