James Harden has a message for his doubters. The 10-time All-Star opened up about feeling underappreciated during his career while riding high with the surging Los Angeles Clippers. “Sooner or later people will understand and recognize how hard I worked,” Harden told NBA insider Chris Haynes, via HoopsHype.
At 36 years old, Harden is proving he still belongs among the NBA’s elite. The former MVP is averaging 22.6 points and 8.7 assists during the Clippers’ current 7-game win streak, helping them tie Denver for fourth in the competitive Western Conference (49-32).
“It was injuries that really held me back,” Harden explained about recent seasons. “Now I’ve got the freedom to have the ball in my hands and play point guard like I know how.” His comments come as the Clippers battle for playoff positioning with just one game remaining in the regular season.
Harden’s production this season – his 16th in the NBA – continues to defy age expectations. “You don’t get to this level without putting the work in,” he said. “It’s not something you can do without a crazy work ethic.”
While Harden claims the criticism doesn’t bother him personally, he acknowledged it affects those close to him. “My friends, family and teammates hear the negativity,” Harden said. “They should be bothered because they see how hard I work.”
The Clippers’ recent success has silenced some critics, with Harden orchestrating the offense alongside Kawhi Leonard and Norman Powell. His 8.7 assists per game rank fifth in the league, proving he’s evolved from pure scorer to complete floor general.
“Sixteen years in – still an All-Star, still All-NBA,” Harden noted about his longevity. “They should feel proud.” As the playoffs approach, Harden has his sights set on the one accomplishment that’s eluded him – an NBA championship.
With the Clippers peaking at the right time, this may be Harden’s best chance to change his narrative forever. “Just let them keep talking,” he said. “Hopefully the narrative changes sooner or later.”
