James Harden is shaking up the NBA's loyalty narrative, calling it “overrated.” Over his impressive career, Harden has donned five different jerseys, yet his impact on the court remains undeniable.
On Monday, the Cleveland Cavaliers star faced off against his former team, the Philadelphia 76ers, and made a statement before the game even began. Sporting a shirt that read, “Where are my superstars?”
as he entered the arena, it seemed like a subtle jab at his old squad.
Harden, an 11-time NBA All-Star, spent two seasons with the 76ers after being traded from the Brooklyn Nets. His journey continued to the Los Angeles Clippers early in the 2023-24 season, before landing in Cleveland at this February’s trade deadline.
Against the 76ers, Harden delivered a solid performance with 21 points, five rebounds, and five assists. He also hit a major milestone, becoming the ninth player in NBA history to surpass 29,000 career points.
Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson couldn’t help but praise Harden’s all-around game in the post-game press conference. “This version we’re seeing of James, you don’t just think of scoring.
I think of this complete player,” Atkinson marveled. “When they announced it today, I was like in shock, 29,000, woah.
We’re just discovering his offensive capabilities. I saw a couple things that I haven’t seen him do yet…obviously, when he gets the catch & shoot thing going, that’s huge for us because he’s so good defensively.”
Harden has quickly made his mark in Cleveland, becoming the only player in Cavaliers history to record 200+ points, 50+ rebounds, and 50+ assists. His impact is immediate and significant, boasting an 81.8% win percentage with the team. As Harden continues to redefine his career, the Cavaliers are reaping the benefits of his exceptional talent.