After Disrespectful Gesture “Hurt” His Feelings, 10x NBA All Star James Harden Felt “More Hunger than Anything”

James Harden along with the Philadelphia 76ers has battled a long way to enter the playoffs this season. Alongside Joel Embiid, both stars have a great shot at winning their first NBA championship. Harden has efficiently taken care of the ball-handling duties while Embiid continued his dominant scoring streak as he ended up as the scoring leader for the second year in a row. It seems like the All-Star weekend “disrespect” has fueled James Harden to increase his “hunger“.

The Sixers star’s manager Troy Payne recently shared the aftermath of Harden missing out on the All-Star game and how it hurt his feelings getting disrespected by the league that way. After making the All-Star team 10 years in a row, the 2023 snub did a number on the 2018 MVP back in January.?

James Harden felt “Hurt” after All-Star snub

It’s no doubt there was heavy competition for an All-Star game nomination this year. Multiple stars battled it out to earn an All-Star badge. However, Sixers guard James Harden did not earn one this year. Leading the league in assists this season, Harden continues to play a crucial role for the Sixers as they enter the postseason. Anyhow, the disrespect back in January is something Harden won’t forget easily.?

After the starters and reserves of the 2023 All-Star game were revealed, NBA fans were surprised to see Harden’s name missing from the list. Not just the fans, but Harden himself was not expecting it, as the Sixers guard mentioned in his Instagram story “The disrespect” after the snub. Adding fuel to the fire, Harden was snubbed twice as the league did not choose him even as a replacement for the injured starters.?

This disrespectful gesture pushed James Harden to be more focused than ever. In an interview with Slam Magazine, Payne mentioned, “I saw his emotions, but it was more hunger than anything” sharing the mood on the night of the All-Star snub. Payne further added, “He felt like he should have been in the game…And it kind of hurt him”. However, the Sixers star now has a chance to prove his haters wrong.?

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Payne revealed how he wanted Harden to use this disappointment as fuel. “Let?s go out there and get All-NBA. And that?s the goal?play at a high level, finish top two in the East, push for All-NBA. I think he?s playing at an All-NBA level.”

Can the Sixers win it all this season??

Leading the season in points and standing at the top of the MVP ladder, Joel Embiid has been a monster this season. On the other hand, Harden has been a supportive teammate, averaging 21 points and 10.7 assists. The duo became the first teammates to lead the league in scoring and assists in 41 years.

Set to face the Brooklyn Nets in the first round, the odds seem favorable for the Sixers. However, the path ahead might not be easy to get past. Considering the performance so far, the Sixers have a great shot at the title, but time alone will let us know if it may happen.?

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Do you think James Harden and the Sixers can win a championship? Share your thoughts in the comments below.