The human nature of resorting to excuses over accountability after losses and failure is common for superstars in the NBA, as it is not an unusual sight for a team to collapse in the postseason. These players are held answerable for the team's mistakes, and in the first or second occurrence, injuries, fatigue, and the mental pressure of the game are often cited as reasons.
However, these excuses cannot generally be recycled. After a point, fans begin to perceive such superstars differently once a similar answer is given in response to questions regarding disappointment.
Paul George of the LA Clippers did so several times while he was with the team, and though he is a legend in the books for carrying them to the Western Conference Finals, many recall the moments he avoided accountability, such as directly after the NBA's bubble.
On the other hand, George's co-star, Kawhi Leonard, who is still a member of the Clippers, gave the media much more straightforward answers, as did head coach Tyronn Lue, and that could be one of the reasons why they are still working with each other in 2025 to win a championship.
Conversely, Leonard is working with James Harden, a dual-minded, extremely talented, 36-year-old point guard. He has an MVP, and will one day enter the NBA's Hall-of-Fame, but at times, he has given off a different energy in the time of a loss, similar to what George did, which is something that must be dodged.
Win or lose, James Harden should approach every situation optimistically and handle the criticism professionally
In the playoffs against the Denver Nuggets, when the LA Clippers lost, James Harden chose not to speak to the media. On paper, the reasons were unknown, but it was obvious Harden did not want to deal with opinionated questions about his future with the team and postseason reputation, just after his 16th season ended.
Yet, Harden declined to speak to the media multiple times during the series. This is somewhat similar to how Paul George handled his playoff woes in his five seasons with the Clippers.
Furthermore, with a stronger team for next season, Harden should not even be in a position to consider rejecting the media. All that must be on his mind is a championship.
But, if the Clippers crumble, Harden should take a different approach than he has had in the past, speak with reporters, and answer questions with the acceptance of the loss, proving to be other than George.