As a former 2009 draft pick who continues to shatter records and make All-NBA teams, James Harden has developed a unique yet exceptional reputation in the history of professional basketball. The playoff horror stories are presently living, but Harden is a Hall-of-Fame guard who found the middle ground of a score-heavy and pass-heavy playstyle.
This ultimately generates individual success, such as All-Star appearances and assist champions, while making those around him great. Current teammate Ivica Zubac is the lead example of the 35-year-old guard still orchestrating breakout seasons for his big men, who are genuinely committed to working hard.
In fact, Zubac was a candidate for this year’s Most Improved Player of the Year award. Unfortunately, his name was not announced due to Dyson Daniels winning the majority of the votes, but it says how highly regarded his name is now compared to a year ago, with partial thanks going to Harden.
However, the 11-time All-Star does not just make big men like Zubac great; he also does the same for guards. Tyrese Maxey had his first 20-point-per-game season the same year Harden won his second assist title, and Norman Powell just posted nearly 22 points per game, which could lead him to a generous extension with the Miami Heat.
The credit has not been showered upon Harden for what his former guard teammates have been rewarded with. Yet, he is a significant reason why, demonstrating the impact he has, and this is in addition to the fact that he is always in the postseason.
That said, Harden could replicate his performance with Powell, as seen with Bradley Beal, who just signed a two-year deal with the Clippers this week.
Bradley Beal is the next guard in line to benefit most from James Harden’s presence and all-world playmaking
James Harden has caught on to his trend of positively impacting those around him, and as a result, he used this to help convince Bradley Beal into signing with the LA Clippers over everyone else.
Beal likely saw the wave himself and realized that if he wants to be paid similar to his old days, Harden is the only guard in the NBA who can facilitate true progression in an environment expected to win over 50 games.
This is essentially a guaranteed check as long as Beal stays healthy, and the Clippers may be the team to offer him more money to keep the championship group together, if they go that far next season.