“A Player to the Level of Michael Jordan & Wilt Chamberlain”: Rockets Legend Lauds James Harden

Houston Rockets legend Hakeem Olajuwon felt the team’s current superstar James Harden, as a player, is on the level of Michael Jordan.

Harden has been among the top players in the league for a while now. He has consistently been a contender for the league MVP over the last few years and won the award in 2018. He has been an NBA All-Star in each of the seasons since joining Houston Rockets from Oklahoma City Thunder in 2012. With Harden leading them, the Rockets have had consistent post season appearances.

Olajuwon, arguably the best Rockets player, was full of praise for Harden while talking on SportsTalk 790’s The A-Team.

“It’s very difficult to carry a team from that position, and he’s proven that comfortably, reaching new heights. Look at his statistics. He’s a player to the level of Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain,” Olajuwon said.

Olajuwon, or The Dream, led the Rockets during one of their best eras in the NBA. It was also a time when Michael Jordan also grew as a player. The Dream led the Rockets to two consecutive titles in 1994 and 1995 and was the league MVP in 1994. He played 16 years for the Rockets who later retired his No. 34 jersey.

“It’s something unbelievable in this era. There’s no question about James’ ability as a champion. I think it’s just a matter of time. Any player you put with James Harden, it will work. Because James is such a complete player. He’s a winner and he knows how to win,” he said.

James Harden and Hoston Rockets getting ready for the league restart

With the NBA agreeing to a restart with 22 teams, Harden and the Rockets will be looking for a deep playoff run. Last summer, Harden got reunited with Russell Westbrook when the Rockets signed him.

After eight years with the Rockets, Harden has led the team to the playoffs consistently but is yet to win a title. They will be aiming to make win a title in the coming years to bring glory to the club for the first time after Olajuwon and co. won in 1995.