NBA superstar James Harden can?t take a break from China for real. He has once again found himself in the spotlight during his recent tour. His arrival in China was met with a lot of excitement from fans. He is coming back after four years following a controversial incident. The incident involved the Houston Rockets?and Harden?s subsequent tweets.
This time, however, Harden’s actions have captivated fans as he showcases his skills and interacts with young athletes. But it’s not just his basketball that is being talked about. It’s also his unconventional mode of transportation this time.?
Harden’s controversy and apology
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Four years ago, the NBA faced a major controversy when the Houston Rockets’ general manager, Daryl Morey, tweeted his support for supporting pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong. The tweet sparked outrage in China, leading to severed ties between the Rockets and the Chinese basketball association. The NBA found itself caught in a delicate situation, trying to navigate the political landscape while maintaining its global fan base.
Amidst this, Harden offered an apology, expressing his hope that fans in China could understand the complexity of the situation.?
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Harden’s visit to China comes as the NBA is still rebuilding its relationship with the country.Harden returns to the Chinese hardwood on a neat ride
The league was heavily criticized in 2019. The tweet by Daryl led to the NBA being banned from Chinese television, and it also caused some Chinese businesses to stop sponsoring the league.
Harden arrived in China on a scooter, which is illegal in most major cities. He was immediately surrounded by fans who took pictures of him. He reconnected with Chinese fans with his basketball skills, showing off his signature moves, including his step-back jumper and his iconic euro step.
In a recent video, he can be seen playing basketball with young athletes and mesmerizing the crowd.?
James Harden playing vs campers in China 🤞 (via @PjfPerformance) pic.twitter.com/VZuKs4TGyQ
— Overtime (@overtime) August 12, 2023
The fans were clearly excited to see Harden again. One fan says, “He’s even better in person than he is on TV.”
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Harden’s return coincides with his participation in camps for young athletes. With thousands of eager fans flocking to see Harden, he made sure he didn’t disappoint.
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