2. James Harden’s age and declining play
James Harden had a very good season for the Philadelphia 76ers last year putting up 21 points and 10.7 assists per game with a 53.6% effective field goal percentage. He proved he is still capable of effecting a regular season win total greatly.
He was snubbed at the all-star game mainly due to an early season injury. There lies the problem. Harden’s durability has been a severe question since his exit from Houston, which has affected his initial explosiveness.
Despite his scoring numbers declining once initially traded to Brooklyn, the eye test showed Harden’s elite ability to blow by defenders and finish at the rim when he wanted to.
Since his hamstring injury in 2021, Harden has struggled to get past his defenders, is way more sloppy with the ball, and struggles to finish around the rim. This situation comes with age and lack of care taken for the body. Harden will turn 34 this month.
Harden has never been known for his defense. However, he could still every once in a while string together some impressive defensive moments in key spots when he was in his prime. Nowadays, that ship has sailed. Harden will consistently take plays off, and since his scoring isn’t as elite as it once was, that’s unacceptable.
Take into account this, plus his consistent struggles in postseason elimination games, and it all becomes too much to take.