Throughout his professional career, former MVP James Harden has had a number of moments that have provided fans with no question regarding why he is legendary. He can score 50 when need be, step back in the tightest corners, and dish out the most accurate passes, all while achieving victory.
This type of skillset is generational and adds to Harden's ageless game. The LA Clippers are the current beneficiaries and will optimistically be the last, as fans hope he will retire under Intuit Dome after raising a franchise-first championship banner.
With four games left, Harden has posted 22.5 points, 8.6 assists, and 5.7 rebounds, shooting 40.3% from the field and 34.5% from three. He is the team leader in points, assists, and minutes in 75 games.
Furthermore, Harden's game has different dimensions, far more than an individual can observe from the stat sheet. Hence, he has a strong argument for being an All-NBA selection at close to 36 years of age.
Conversely, of the ways Harden impacts the hardwood, he has demonstrated an underrated trait that has been previously witnessed and currently involves star big man Ivica Zubac.
James Harden has increased the value of numerous big men by simply playing his game
James Harden's scoring may be much lower than at his peak, but he will constantly bring with him the same level of impact on big men, no matter the system. He did it with Clint Capela on the Houston Rockets and Joel Embiid on the Philadelphia 76ers and is steadily increasing the value of Ivica Zubac in year 16.
Though Zubac's offensive role was bumped in the summer, Harden is making the center's job simple by reading the floor and facilitating mismatches. The three-time champion communicates with his guys on where to move and what to do so that the big man has a smaller, weaker defender on his back magically.
The result is a career-high 16.5 points per game, shooting 62.4% from the floor for Zubac.
Zubac spoke with ESPN journalist Malika Andrews on Harden and stated, "Ever since he got here, I've wanted to play with a point guard like that my whole life. He's probably one of the best pick-and-role players ever. It's been great for me. He's installed a lot of confidence in me... "
Capela's progression in Houston was evident, but Embiid was a more prominent case. The 76er megastar was great before Harden, but he won his first MVP, uncoincidentally, the first official season Harden spent in Philadelphia.
Harden has seemingly always been praised for his scoring, creation, playmaking, and winning abilities. However, fans must add to the list by mentioning his consistency in getting big men paid after career years.