James Harden has been the constant subject of online mockery for the past few seasons. ‘The Beard’ did not appear to be at his physical best after the previous off-seasons, and his game appeared to suffer as a result. His overweight pictures and management of his physical condition became a hot topic of discussion among fans.
Harden’s first step was once the cornerstone of his game; however, it no longer appeared to be what it once was. Last season, he was hesitant to blow by his man and attack the lanes owing to his physical limitations. Prime Harden was a guy who operated on acceleration and deceleration. That was his specialty. All of those weapons, though, looked to be shot.
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However, James Harden appears to be on a mission now. He looks to be commencing his redemption journey, as seen by his ripped physique in the most recent off-season body transformation pictures.
James Harden been in the gym this offseason 😤🔥
(via @p3sportscience) pic.twitter.com/KNN9TsuxCB
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 19, 2022
The last NBA season saw Harden go through a turbulent time. He joined forces with Joel Embiid after being traded from the Brooklyn Nets to the Philadelphia 76ers. Harden’s poor postseason play, though, drew him a great deal of criticism from Philly fans. However, he looks to be as geared as ever to set the league on flames and resurrect the Harden fans remember from his Rockets days.
Last season, Harden and the 76ers underperformed and appeared to be a mismatch. However, with him looking like he’s worked his way into his 2019 condition, the 76ers become an instant threat to win it all this year.
summer mixtape just dropped. ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/hjA1efCoGx
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) July 27, 2022
The pairing with Joel Embiid, as well as the group the organization has assembled around those two, is extremely dynamic. Given that Harden’s hamstring isn’t an impediment, the 76ers might be a nightmare for the league.
Fans react to James Harden’s incredible physical transformation
James Harden looks to be prepared to go to any length to win his first NBA championship. He made the first of many sacrifices by taking a $15 million pay cut.
Sources: James Harden is taking a $15 million paycut for next season that allowed Philadelphia to elevate roster — with sole focus on a championship run in 2023. Harden opted out of his $47M player option and now plans to sign a new two-year deal with a player option in Year 2.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 8, 2022
He claimed that he did so following a conversation with Daryl Morey, in which he urged him to bolster the roster with new additions and give him whatever was left over.
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Harden is what Sixers were missing for many years. Truth be told, he is someone they have been missing since the Allen Iverson era: a perimeter shot creator and bucket getter.
Looks like James Harden has gotten into the best shape of his life. The league might be in trouble 😈 👀 pic.twitter.com/uI5rixWrSa
— NBA Memes (@NBAMemes) August 18, 2022
Now as Harden looks to be in the best shape of life, the 76ers fans will be anticipating big things going forward.
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Harden’s commitment to winning an NBA championship is evident in his time spent in the gym throughout the offseason. Fans, however, still devised a way to mock the Beard.
He does this every year just to disappoint in the playoffs
— Thatboicarolina1 (@JALEN52952809) August 19, 2022
That hamstring is still lasagna don’t get fooled
— Troy🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 (@troyboy621) August 19, 2022
This has Ben Simmons shooting 3s energy.
— Notorious CFP (@notoriousCFP) August 19, 2022
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Nothing matters when it comes to James Harden. Not what he does in the summer not what he does in the regular season. We know what he can do then. It’s what he does(‘nt do) in the playoffs that matters.
— OGToni3 (@OGToni3_) August 19, 2022
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it's the same every offseason, where's the big deal?
— Ἄρειος, (@ichbinhim) August 19, 2022