There are times when I can’t help but wonder what is going through an NBA superstar’s mind. Now, as reports swirl that James Harden wants to be dealt to the Clippers, is one of those times.
A 10-time All-Star and the winner of last season’s league assist crown on a per-game basis, Harden still possesses game-changing ability. He showcased that not only in a Game 1 victory over the Celtics in which he scored 45 points and logged six assists despite not having MVP Joel Embiid, but also when he went off again three contests later with 42 points, nine assists, eight boards and a cold-blooded, game-winning triple in the final minute. Harden, Embiid and the Sixers faltered badly in Game 7 of that series, getting bounced in the second round yet again. But they showed enough firepower to suggest there’s potential to accomplish more, particularly with a new coach in Nick Nurse, who won the title in 2019 with the Raptors.
Yet Harden appears to be making his way to his third new team in just three years after being the man in Houston for eight consecutive seasons.
