Back when the Los Angeles Clippers traded for James Harden, some questioned his ability to coexist with the other superstars on the team.
Fast forward to today, and it’s more than clear that he’s getting along just fine with them.
As a matter of fact, the former MVP made the rounds for an in-game joke.
The Clippers were up big against the struggling Portland Trail Blazers, so he took the liberty of giving them a hand by actually contesting Kawhi Leonard’s corner three-point shot — a shot he wound up missing.
The irony of Harden playing lockdown defense only made this all the more hilarious, and he said in his postgame that he just wanted to bring some excitement to the team.
That’s why sports analyst Nick Wright claimed that Harden just made the dumbest play in NBA history, even with Jordan Poole in the league for the past five years.
Talking on his What’s Wright? Podcast, he stated that Harden hasn’t earned the right to be this silly, adding that people would lose their minds if this happened in a different sport.
“James Harden playing defense on Kawhi is the dumbest play in NBA history. … He hasn’t earned the right to be this silly,” Wright said.
"James Harden playing defense on Kawhi is the dumbest play in NBA history. … He hasn't earned the right to be this silly."
— @getnickwright pic.twitter.com/mTS73cRQi6
— What’s Wright? with Nick Wright (@WhatsWrightShow) March 22, 2024
Wright might have a valid point, but Harden has never carried himself too seriously.
Needless to say, that’s pretty much a coach’s nightmare, and he could and should draw some backlash for this.
Then again, star players can also take some liberties, and if he felt like the team could use some loosening up after a tough stretch, that’s also valid.
NEXT: Doc Rivers Says 1 Player Should Get Jersey Retired By The Clippers First