Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden is set to play through a nondisplaced fracture in his right thumb, opting out of surgery, as reported by NBA insider Shams Charania.
Harden, a seasoned veteran and future Hall of Famer, has been a pivotal addition to the Cavaliers since joining from the Los Angeles Clippers on February 4. Despite the injury, he's determined to continue contributing on the court.
In their recent matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Cavaliers felt the absence of not just Harden, but also Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley, marking a challenging game for the team.
Since Harden's arrival, Cleveland boasts a 6-1 record with him in the lineup. His performance has been nothing short of impressive, averaging 18.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game. His shooting has been particularly sharp, with percentages of 49.4% from the field, 48.8% from three-point range, and 86.7% from the free-throw line.
Currently sitting in fourth place in the Eastern Conference, the Cavaliers have emerged as strong contenders, with Harden seamlessly fitting in alongside stars like Mitchell, Mobley, and Jarrett Allen.
Harden's illustrious career has seen him play for several teams, including the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, Clippers, and now the Cavaliers. As he approaches his 37th birthday in August, the 11-time All-Star continues to defy age with his on-court prowess.
Financially, Harden is earning $39.4 million this season, with $13.3 million of his $42.3 million salary for next season guaranteed. His previous negotiations with the Clippers for a longer-term contract fell through due to the team's focus on maintaining flexibility and concerns about his age.
Looking ahead, the Cavaliers are expected to secure Harden with a new deal this offseason. With career averages of 24.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 7.3 assists, Harden remains in pursuit of his first NBA championship, and Cleveland might just be the place where he achieves that elusive goal.