James Harden has been in question regarding his sportsmanship and attitude towards his team, teammates as well as fans for about 2 years now. During this time, he has been traded from the Houston Rockets to Brooklyn Nets, and now to Philadelphia 76ers. The cycle starts with him being in the headline for his behavior, which leads up to the trades.
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Both the trades, Rockets to Nets and Nets to 76ers were primarily took place because of what James wanted next in his career. Initially, he felt he needed more of a challenge and wanted a move away from the Rockets. Even that time he wanted to partner up with Joel Embiid in the Sixers, but that move did not transpire. Hence, he settled for a season with the Brooklyn Nets. However, last month, Harden finally got his desired move to Philadelphia.
All?s well that ends well? Well, it might get better because Harden and Embiid are clicking and their best is yet to come.
James Harden with his debatable claim
Harden has shown unprofessionalism at times to get what he wants next in his career. When he was with the Rockets, he desired a move to The 76ers but mainly he wanted a move away from Houston. There were similarities to his behavior towards both his teams when he wanted a trade out. He started drifting apart off the court and showed apathy on the court. In light of this, many might not agree with James when he claimed that he is one of the best teammates the NBA has seen.
“I feel like I’m one of the best teammates that the NBA’s seen, on the court and off the court.”
– James Harden
(Via AP | h/t @basketballtalk ) pic.twitter.com/xnNarna4Re
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 1, 2022
This did not sit particularly well with NBA fans, as James had practically forced his way out of two franchises in the last two years. Fans, as always, were frank enough to express their views ruthlessly on Twitter. Someone even pointed out that James was the last player to be picked for the All-Stars teams.
Bruh neither Bron or Kd wanted to pick you. You were being laughed at and made fun of on LIVE TV during the picking of the teams 😭😭😭 https://t.co/x6y32uf2Q1
— Coach Popabitch 🥷🏾 (@damemorris95) March 2, 2022
https://twitter.com/yuhboidon/status/1498803609638780930?s=20&t=6QTb1CGdmxpye5NgK9R4mQ
https://twitter.com/iCarpeVinum/status/1498810018904293382?s=20&t=6QTb1CGdmxpye5NgK9R4mQ
— ︎ȶei (@notorioustei) March 1, 2022
https://twitter.com/gabeisepic1/status/1498803609663950852?s=20&t=6QTb1CGdmxpye5NgK9R4mQ
— Trevion G. (@popitfortre1moX) March 2, 2022
You know yourself that’s not true pic.twitter.com/a9vkkNMMVb
— 🐜 (@Antmanssss) March 1, 2022
— Danny 👨🏾💻🎶 (@djbluecheese) March 2, 2022
Says the guy that literally quit on two franchises in one year! We can’t take anything you say seriously! Ask your teammates from Houston and Brooklyn this question and I’ll bet my life we hear something totally different!
— Micah (@KD123snipe) March 2, 2022
James Harden further elaborated on his statement by saying, ?That?s for the media. The media say that. I feel like I?m one of the best teammates that the NBA?s seen, on the court and off the court.?
Read More: James Harden Accused of Complacency During Rockets Run as Viral Video Brings Shocking Facts to Light
?Just because the current situation happened, whatever happened, happened,? Harden added, ?It doesn?t mean that I?m a bad teammate. Me, personally, I feel like I needed to do what?s best for my career, and help myself and be happy. It doesn?t harp on whether I?m a bad teammate or not.?
Harden with the 76ers
To be fair to Harden, he has made these moves for his own career. Although that might not sit well for the fans of a particular team, aiming for personal success and accolades does not make him a bad person.?
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The Harden-Embiid duo has looked strong so far, keeping the 76ers in the dominant position as we close in to the playoffs. Harden currently averages 28.0 points from the two games he has played for Philadelphia so far. Moreover, his partnership with Joel Embiid looks really promising.
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Watch This Story: Injuries That James Harden Has Powered Through Over the Years of His Career
Harden?s antics may not seem fair to some, but as it turns out, he looks a formidable force with the 76ers. However, James Harden still has a lot to prove as things look upwards for him and his new franchise.