The Decline of James Harden: Is He Still an Offensive Juggernaut?
James Harden, once known as an offensive juggernaut, seems to have lost his spark in recent seasons. Formerly terrorizing opponents and putting up incredible numbers, Harden’s performance has taken a dip, leaving fans and analysts questioning whether he can reclaim his former glory. Polaris Sports, a site known for trolling athletes, particularly NBA players, recently took a shot at the former MVP, further fueling the speculation surrounding his decline. However, it’s important to note that the quote attributed to Harden was fabricated, as he continues to face criticism for his lackluster playoff performances.
A perfect example of this was seen during last season’s playoffs when Harden, playing for the Philadelphia 76ers, seemed to disappear when it mattered most. After helping his team secure a 3-2 series lead against the Boston Celtics, The Beard failed to deliver in the final two close-out games. During that crucial stretch, he managed only 22 points, 16 assists, 13 rebounds, and five steals. Harden’s shooting percentages were abysmal, going 7-27 from the field and a shocking 1-11 from beyond the arc.
Since his trade to the Brooklyn Nets in January 2021, Harden’s scoring output has noticeably declined. During his last three full seasons with the Houston Rockets, he averaged a remarkable 33.7 points per game, along with 7.9 assists, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.9 steals. However, in 80 games with the Nets, his scoring dipped to 23.4 points per game. This drop can be attributed, at least in part, to his adjusted role on the team. With the presence of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, Harden is no longer the primary scoring option in Brooklyn.
Unfortunately, the trend continued when Harden joined the Philadelphia 76ers for the following season. While still maintaining his efficiency as a playmaker, he struggled to carry the scoring load for the team. Averaging 21.0 points per game, along with 10.6 assists, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.2 steals, it appears that Harden may no longer be capable of shouldering the scoring burden.
In Game 1 against the Celtics, Harden showcased his brilliance, scoring 45 points to lead the 76ers to a remarkable road victory without the injured Joel Embiid. However, when the series reached its climax, he once again failed to deliver in high-pressure situations, reinforcing his reputation for disappearing when it matters most.
Despite speculation surrounding a potential trade, the Philadelphia 76ers are determined to honor Harden’s trade request only if they receive the right return. This standoff between team management and the player could potentially extend to the start of training camp, causing further complications. Harden himself has expressed his readiness to be uncomfortable, which could mean sitting out or playing through the difficult situation.
It is essential to note that Harden has been in a similar situation before. When he tried to force his way out of the Houston Rockets, he infamously appeared out of shape during training camp. A repeat of this behavior would certainly generate significant attention on social media.
The Philadelphia 76ers and the LA Clippers are reportedly considering re-engaging in trade talks, with the timing of the discussions uncertain. Previously, the Clippers were rumored to have made unserious offers for the 10-time All-Star.
As the standoff between James Harden and the 76ers continues, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold. Perhaps, after the conclusion of the FIBA World Cup, discussions will gain momentum. Fans and basketball enthusiasts eagerly await the resolution of this saga as the start of the next season draws closer. Only time will tell if James Harden can regain his status as an offensive juggernaut or if his decline is a permanent state.
