James Harden of the Philadelphia 76ers has seen both many highs and lows over the last few years.
It wasn’t too long ago that the star was the league’s MVP and seen as one of the best shooters in the NBA.
But since then, he has moved around to multiple teams, had a rough postseason track record, and has been accused of gassing out and giving up.
James Harden 2017 through 2020:
32.4 PPG
6.7 RPG
8.8 APG
1.8 SPGTop three in MVP voting 4 years in a row. pic.twitter.com/HaCc4BR2ua
— StatMuse (@statmuse) August 26, 2022
But the numbers don’t necessarily back that up.
From 2017 to 2020, Harden averaged 32.4 points per game, 6.7 rebounds, 8.8 assists, and 1.8 steals.
He was also top three in MVP voting for four years in a row.
Harden isn’t as washed-up as some detractors claim but he has a big chance to turn around some major perceptions of him in the upcoming season.
Harden Going Hard
A lot has changed for Harden over the last year.
He was playing on the Brooklyn Nets with his old buddy Kevin Durant but that arrangement crashed and burned and Harden was sent packing to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Ben Simmons.
He showed a lot of promise in Philly but the team still didn’t achieve its goals of a dominant postseason.
That’s why so many people will pay close attention to the 2022-23 season for the 76ers.
Harden and his crew need to make good on their promise.
For his part, Harden will need to step up his game and effectiveness and athleticism, especially as the season winds down.
One of the biggest complaints about Harden has been that he gasses out as the postseason approaches and starts the playoffs with no energy and a lack of drive.
If Harden focuses on his game and plays like his old self, the 76ers could impress millions.
