The Cleveland Cavaliers are making waves in the NBA with their revamped roster, thanks to the addition of James Harden at the trade deadline. Pairing Harden with Donovan Mitchell creates one of the league's most formidable backcourts, showcasing Harden's knack for thriving alongside elite guards.
Reflecting on his time with the Philadelphia 76ers, Harden's synergy with Tyrese Maxey under Doc Rivers was a highlight of his career. Rivers, who has fond memories of coaching Harden, praised his ability to elevate a team's performance.
"I love the way he’s playing. That first half of the year in Philly, we were the best team in the NBA.
He makes your team really good. I don’t think people realize how good of a passer he is.
Everyone is scared of him," Rivers remarked, emphasizing Harden's underrated playmaking skills.
Now, as a leader for the Cavaliers, Harden is poised to guide them through a competitive Eastern Conference. This season could be his best shot at reaching the NBA Finals since his days with the Houston Rockets. Back then, he made it to the Finals with the Oklahoma City Thunder as a sixth man, but now, he's in a prime position to lead the charge.
With the Cavaliers counting on Harden's game-changing abilities, the team, featuring stars like Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, is set to make a strong bid for the title. The combination of talent and experience on this roster makes them a formidable contender in the race for NBA supremacy.