James Harden is back in the NBA All-Star Game, and he knew this moment would come. After missing out on the last two editions, the Los Angeles Clippers guard is set to make his 11th career All-Star appearance.
“I never doubted it,” Harden told Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times, emphasizing his confidence in returning to the league’s biggest stage. He credited his resurgence to finally being healthy and regaining his rhythm.
Harden is averaging 21.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 8.6 assists this season, proving he remains one of the league’s elite playmakers. His return to All-Star status marks his first selection as a member of the Clippers, further solidifying his impact in Los Angeles.
Despite changing teams multiple times in recent years, Harden maintained his belief that he would reclaim his place among the NBA’s top talent. “The work and the mindset never changed,” he said.
The Clippers currently hold a 31-23 record, placing them sixth in the Western Conference. They are two games behind the Lakers, making the final stretch of the season crucial for playoff positioning.
For Harden, this All-Star nod is more than just recognition—it’s a validation of his ability to still perform at an elite level. “It was just the fact that I wasn’t healthy. So I’m just happy that I’m back here,” he added.
