ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith Slams Rockets Legend for Recent Comments

James is one of the most accomplished players the league has seen, especially in recent times. The guy’s basketball resume is impressive, especially after his trade to the Houston Rockets in 2012.

And his list of milestones is even more impressive. Harden has three scoring titles, two assist titles. 10 All-Star appearances and seven All-NBA appearances.

The Beard was even part of the NBA’s 75th anniversary team, which shows how dominant he has been over the past decade. Harden won the 2017-18 MVP award and was named a finalist four additional times.

He also led the Rockets to the playoffs for eight straight years, a record among active players at the time. Harden is a surefire miss for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame every time he stops.

The only thing Harden didn’t check off the list?

An NBA championship, and he’s on the verge of success, too.

The Houston Rockets legend recently commented on his legacy, stating that it should be considered a winner, once all is said and done.

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith pushed back on Harden’s view on his legacy, relying on First take to challenge Harden.

“This might be the most embarrassing quote James Harden has ever said about himself.

James Harden is a phenomenal basketball talent. Winner, you won’t get that.

You participated in an NBA Finals. It was 12 years ago. In this series, you were someone who was considered MIA. You were nowhere to be found.”

Smith continued.

“There are several cases in Houston where you were significantly reduced. Not to mention forced to leave Houston, to leave Brooklyn, to leave Philadelphia.

In the end, you didn’t make it to the final. You don’t have any championships on your CV at all. Not only did you underperform, but there are a multitude of occasions where the narrative in the basketball community was that he quit.

How can you be seen as a winner.”

Harden and the LA Clippers went 51-31 this season, drawing the fourth seed and a first-round matchup against the Dallas Mavericks, who beat the Clips in six games. Harden will be an unrestricted free agent this summer.

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