James Harden Has “Bigger Goals” in Mind Ahead of All-Star Reserves Announcement

The 2024 NBA All-Star Reserves will be announced tomorrow on Inside The NBA. It is still uncertain which superstar will make the list because there have been many incredible performances in both conferences. A name that is making the rounds for a probable selection this year is former MVP James Harden. The Beard has turned his career around after joining the LA Clippers and has played great all season.

While many expect Harden to be named an All-Star Reserve tomorrow, the Clippers guard is unbothered about the announcement. Harden got snubbed from the All-Star team last season despite leading the league in assists. So, he does not have his hopes up for this year’s selection. “I got bigger goals,” Harden said when talking about his potential selection.

According to The Beard, he has already proven himself by becoming a 10-time All-Star, multi-time scoring champion, and an MVP throughout his Hall of Fame career. Now, Harden’s only goal is to win his first championship.

After a controversial fallout with the Philadelphia 76ers during the off-season, Harden got traded to the Clippers last year. He had a rough start to his Clippers tenure but soon figured out how to play with superstars like Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Russell Westbrook.

Harden has found his role in the Clippers lineup and has been an elite playmaker throughout the season. He is averaging 17.1 points, 8.6 assists, and 4.8 rebounds in the Clippers uniform. Kawhi Leonard and Co. have become one of the best teams in the league after acquiring Harden. They are 4th in the Western Conference standings with a 31-15 record.

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James Harden’s superstar teammates could cost him an All-Star selection

Even though James Harden has been an integral part of the Clippers’ success this season, he might not get selected for this year’s All-Star team. His numbers are not as good as last season when he got snubbed. That is because he shares the scoring load with Kawhi, PG, and Russ on a nightly basis.

Harden is no longer the primary scoring option like he was in Houston. Even if the Clippers get rewarded with an All-Star selection for their dominant performance, Kawhi and PG are more likely to get the nod before Harden.

Both superstars have better numbers than Harden this season, and the Clippers’ offense revolves around them on most nights. And it is unlikely that three All-Stars will get selected from the same team in a stacked Western Conference. So, Harden might have to suffer heartbreak once again and wait a little longer for his 11th All-Star selection, partly because of his superstar teammates. However, Harden will be happier winning the long-awaited first Championship of his career instead.

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