Despite Early Season Struggles, Draymond Green Advocates for Special Honor for James Harden

The Los Angeles Clippers, with an overcrowded starting lineup with four future Hall of Famers, were almost on the verge of collapse two months ago. However, they have made impressive strides, going from a 6-0 start in the James Harden era to an NBA-best 23-7. The same Clippers that had a net rating three points worse than that of the Detroit Pistons (3-35) have now catapulted themselves to claim the league’s best net rating.

To give credit where credit is due, the Clippers’ remarkable recovery from their disastrous start can be attributed to “The Beard,” who has brought with him the much-needed playmaking that the team had been desperately seeking for years. Given the Clippers’ improved record and Harden’s impressive production, it’s evident that he is making a compelling argument for a spot in the All-Star Game in February. Draymond Green sees his All-Star selection as a no-brainer, but there’s one factor that could potentially hinder it.

Draymond Green argues James Harden deserves to be an All-Star

During the latest episode of his podcast The Draymond Green Show, the Warriors defensive anchor gave Harden his flowers. He said, “I think by the way, James Harden should be an All-Star this year. I’m not sure how people are viewing that, but he only missed like the first four games for the Clippers and then he got traded there. He’s playing at an All-Star level, and the way their team is playing, I think James Harden is an All-Star this year, should be.”

However, while the 34-year-old certainly deserves to be an All-Star this season, Green is worried that he will be judged based on his previous antics. Voicing his concerns, Green said, “Will people judge him on what’s happened the past few years? That’s the question.” 

Can James Harden secure an All-Star vote this season?

Another factor that could possibly play a part in Harden’s All-Star snub this season is what went down last year. After 10 straight NBA All-Star seasons (2013-22), Harden was omitted from the league’s mid-season showcase this past season, which was later revealed to be his own doing. Even though Harden was absent from the league’s initial All-Star ballot, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver reached out to him with a request to be an injury replacement for Kevin Durant. However, Harden, who was “pouting” for several days, failed to answer on time, which led Silver to move forward with Pascal Siakam.

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Moreover, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George also deserve to be All-Star this season. But it would be difficult to justify three different All-Stars from the same team, especially one that is fourth-seeded.

Do you think James Harden can receive the All-Star nod this season? Let us know in the comments!

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