Cleveland Cavaliers forward Mario Hezonja believes James Harden’s ability to excel in different roles could make him a Hall of Fame-caliber player at both shooting guard and point guard.
Speaking to the media after practice at Cleveland Clinic Courts on October 10, Hezonja praised Harden’s basketball intelligence, adaptability and commitment to helping his teammates, highlighting the difference between the prolific scorer he faced earlier in his career and the playmaker he sees as a teammate in Cleveland.
“That intelligence,” Hezonja said when asked what had surprised him most about playing alongside Harden. “Back in the day I was at the two and he was the two shooting guy.”
Hezonja then explained how he views Harden’s evolution and potential legacy.
“For me it’s like, oh, like I’m one of the best in history at the two, so let me go and switch position at the one and I’ll try to be the best in history,” Hezonja said, describing how he imagines Harden’s mindset.
“This is how I envision him right now, that he can be like basically there’s two of him and both of those are Hall of Fame positions.”
The Cavaliers forward was referring to Harden’s ability to operate as both a shooting guard and a point guard. Harden established himself as one of the NBA’s most prolific scorers during his years with the Houston Rockets, including a season in which he averaged 36.1 points per game in 2018-19.
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He later developed further as a facilitator, leading the NBA in assists in the 2016-17, 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons. His scoring and playmaking achievements have made him one of the defining offensive players of his generation.
Hezonja also pointed to Harden’s willingness to prioritize winning and make the players around him better as a major part of what stands out about the veteran guard.
“I remember him as a, you know, a 60-point triple-double type of player right now, but to see this version as well of him just speaks wonders about how a Hall of Fame-type of player can adapt to different teammates, different team situations,” Hezonja said.
“Extraordinary player.”
Beyond Harden’s on-court intelligence, Hezonja praised his new teammate’s interpersonal skills and willingness to help him settle into the organization after returning to the NBA from overseas.
“Seeing the intelligence on a court that comes from his experience is one thing, but he’s just social intelligence, the stuff that he says,” Hezonja said. “I see how much he wants to help me because he understands my story and what I did.”
Hezonja added that he appreciated Harden’s support and the way Cleveland’s players and staff had welcomed him.
