The Cleveland Cavaliers have been on a tear since bringing James Harden into the fold at the trade deadline, and it's clear he's meshed seamlessly with the team. Harden's ability to elevate his squad with his unique skill set is undeniable.
Recently, NBA reporter Brandon Robinson drew an intriguing parallel between Harden's game and the play of NFL quarterbacks, a comparison Harden embraced wholeheartedly.
“You got Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes,” Harden remarked. “These guys are the masters of playmaking.
On every possession, aside from a handoff, they’re making decisions. It’s all about those split-second choices.
It’s a tough gig, but those who excel under pressure are the ones who stand out.”
When pressed on which quarterback he sees himself resembling, Harden was diplomatic. “All of them, each has their unique flair,” he said.
“Being a decision maker isn’t easy, whether in sports or life. Good decisions lead to good outcomes, and I’m always striving to improve.”
Years ago, Harden famously declared himself "the system," a comment some misconstrued as self-centered. But the essence of his statement was about control and influence. With the ball in his hands, Harden can shift the momentum of the game with a pass, a move, or a shot, much like a quarterback orchestrates plays on the field.
This analogy highlights the common thread between quarterbacks and Harden: the power to dictate the game and steer their teams toward victory.