James Harden: “I wasn’t right last season and I still almost averaged a triple double”

Posted on by Nafiz Labib

In an exclusive interview with Yahoo Sports, James Harden discussed multiple topics, such as his relationship with the Sixers, his thoughts on the new contract he’s taking a pay cut for, a new signature wine he’s releasing in partnership with Accolade Wines, and overall how he is physically and mentally going into the next season.

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One of the more interesting topics was his response to the harsh criticism he faced regarding his time with the Philadelphia Sixers after he got traded. Many fans noted that he was nowhere near the offensive player he was just a few years back, yet with the Philadelphia Sixers, he still averaged 21 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 10.5 assists, nearly a triple double, with similar stats if you include the time he was with the Brooklyn Nets this season.

Harden said, “I don’t really listen to what people are saying. I wasn’t right last season, and I still almost averaged a triple double. If anybody else had those numbers, we’d be talking about them getting the max. People were used to seeing me averaging 40, 30 points, and so they viewed it as a down year. I was in Philadelphia for a couple of months and I had to learn on the fly. That’s just what it was. I’m in a good space physically and mentally right now, and I’m just looking forward to next season.”

It’s understandable that some fans wanted to witness more from Harden, as he’s done quite a lot during his career. He has incredible feats under his belt, such as being nominated for All-NBA 1st Team 6 times in a row, leading the league in points scored in a season 4 times and scoring average 3 times, and won an MVP. However, his numbers last season are nothing to scoff at, as he was 17th in scoring average and 2nd in assists average.

Harden vowed to make a comeback next season, taking a pay cut to sign more players and use his time now to better prepare for the upcoming season. He said, “I’m looking to have an unbelievable season. I don’t want to just go out there and be running around and not being efficient and looking old out there. I still want to be really, really, really good.” He’s been spotted on social media working with Sixers assistant coach and former NBA player Sam Cassell completing drills and running plays with his teammates, all for the sake of having a championship run next season.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8p1Wg04v6fY

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