James Harden Believed He Started off as “Chubby” but Got Better Than LeBron James, Kevin Durant: “It’s Not Taking Shots at Anybody. It’s a Confidence”

James Harden has missed two straight games for the Nets due to a hand strain. The Nets are currently on a four-game winless run and will be hoping for a quick recovery of their star guard. Harden has been in insane form this season and has been delivering consistently for the Nets. He has been among the best players in the NBA alongside LeBron James, Kevin Durant, among others.

James Harden has played 42 games for the Nets this season and has played an important role for the Nets this season. He has averaged 23 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 10.1 assists this season so far. While he’s not getting MVP shouts this season, he has been having an incredible season with the Nets.

LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant have been some of the best players in the league in the past decade. However, Harden isn’t very far behind them and has been consistent in the last few seasons. Harden recently gave an interview to TIME, where he talked about his reputation, problems with super teams, among other topics.

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James Harden opens up on his struggles and getting better than the likes of LeBron James, Kevin Durant

During the TIME interview, he was asked if he is the best player in the world right now. To this, he admitted that he is the best and gave his rationale behind it.

“You can ask all those top guys who the best player is, of course, they are going to say themselves. Because as a basketball player you’re confident in your craft. It’s not taking shots at anybody. It’s a confidence,” Harden told TIME.

When asked if he thought that he’d become an NBA player in the future while growing up in LA, Harden explained the hardships of his childhood.

“I was chubby. Had asthma. Wasn’t that tall. Scott Pera (his coach at Artesia High School in the LA area) had me on the track, had me just working. It was probably the worst time of my life. I was lazy. He had me running miles. I needed my inhaler, I’m about to pass out. It wasn’t good. But I got better at it,” he added.

The 2018 MVP spent the majority of his career with Houston Rockets. He even won the MVP award when he was with the Rockets. However, the Rockets traded him to the Nets in early 2021 in a four-team trade.

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But it appears that the trade has worked out for both Harden and the Nets. The Nets have a strong team and are capable of winning a championship. They are strong contenders to win the championship this time and with Durant, Harden, and Kyrie on their roster, anything is possible.