Everyone is looking to see what James Harden of the Philadelphia 76ers does next.
Even though his team did better than it has in years, there are a bunch of rumors of Harden leaving the Sixers, presumably to return to the Houston Rockets.
But what can he bring to the Rockets?
According to one Eastern Conference executive, Harden isn’t the player he once was.
“His status as a max, alpha player in this league, it’s over. He can’t produce wins,” this anonymous executive said, according to Steve Bulpett, via NBACentral.
“His status as a max, alpha player in this league, it’s over. He can’t produce wins.”
– Eastern conference executive on James Harden
(Via @SteveBHoop ) pic.twitter.com/u6D1pXHw6a
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) June 9, 2023
This is an accusation leveled at Harden often: his prime days are behind him.
He was showing flashes of brilliance again throughout the latest season.
He had a stunning game against the Boston Celtics, scoring 42 points in Game 4 just days after dropping 45 on them in Game 1 without Joel Embiid.
But then were nights when he only scored 12 or 13 points, or even worse.
For years now, people have said that Harden no longer has the stamina and mental drive to make it all the way through the playoffs.
This has led to people saying that his days of leading a team are over.
Still, most reports say that the 76ers want Harden to remain on the team.
But those same reports also state that he is torn between Philadelphia and Houston.
No matter where he plays, people will be watching closely to see what sort of Harden they get.
Will he return to his former glory or continue to deliver mixed results?
NEXT: 76ers Analyst Comments On James Harden Hurting His Legacy
