Nets superstar James Harden expressed confidence that he’s starting to get his health and conditioning back after a 39-point game against New Orleans on Friday, according to Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.com.
Harden, who’s coming back from a Grade 2 hamstring strain suffered last season, also added 12 assists in the contest. It’s a significant step forward for the 2018 Most Valuable Player, especially considering how poorly he started the campaign.
“I’m getting there,” Harden said. “It wasn’t going to take long. I mean, this is the highest [level] in the sport is the NBA, the most talented players in this world. So it’s not going to be easy for me to just come out there and do what I do. It takes a lot of hard work to be playing at a point to which you guys have seen me play at.
“When I’m not scoring 30 points, when I’m averaging 18-some points, it’s like, ‘What’s wrong with James?’ It’s pretty solid still. I’ve been playing so well and so extremely at another level to where you guys set standards for me, and I set standards for myself as well. For me, I just continue to work. I feel a lot better, and the work don’t stop.”
There’s more out of Brooklyn today:
- Veteran big man LaMarcus Aldridge has provided strong offensive production off the bench so far this season, Peter Botte of the New York Post writes. Aldridge, who came out of retirement to re-sign with Brooklyn in the offseason, is averaging 12.6 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, shooting 60% from the floor and 46% from deep in 12 games.
- Brian Lewis of the New York Post explores the trade value of Kyrie Irving and how relevant he is to the team’s ambitions. Irving has yet to play this season for the Nets, who refuse to let him suit up until he becomes fully vaccinated or until New York City’s vaccine requirement changes. Irving can only play road games due to NYC’s mandate — something the Nets won’t allow.
- Speaking of Irving, the 29-year-old received praise from former Finals MVP Andre Iguodala this week, as relayed by Sam Amick of The Athletic. Iguodala doubled down on his opinion that Irving is a top-20 player ever, further explaining his thinking in a conversation with Amick.
39 against the pelicans, impressed.
with 11 referee charity points, so it was really only 28.
“Iguodala doubled down on his opinion that Irving is a top-20 player ever, explaining it further.” ……….. Quote —
Top 20 today, maybe. Top 20 of his generation, maybe. But you have to play to earn that. You have to build a team to be that. What’s he done. Ran from Cavs. Ran from Celtics. Now running from Nets…….. Only wants a check and the attention. He’s never won anywhere. Only when playing with Bron.
“Top 20 Head Case ever” ……. Probably
Doesn’t sound like Iggy should be an analyst when he retires from the NBA.
Ben would make the nets the best team easily.
Ben sucks and Kyrie is an idiot. They are both getting paid to do nothing. What a waste of money. They should both be paid zero.
Imagine saying the player who creates more 3s for anyone else and is the best defender in the game sucks. Casual.
That would be the best and most achievable move for both teams, but, so far, the Sixers don’t want to touch Kyrie. On the court, if both can play, both teams would clearly be improved from their current situations.
The Drama for the NBA. It would save both their seasons. But they gotta play. Plus it creates instant rivals and a Heated East race for next few yrs. I think it saves them both. But again they have to play.
Harden putting up points. More important running the point and getting assists. Is what this team needs most. Always said he and Irving were not a mix. Personally I feel Irving by sitting is trying to show. That Nets need him more at point. That he is the guy they need most. But this will backfire. Harden keeps this up and is back to playing like he can. But who in their right mind trades for Irving now. I mean REALLY, WHO ???? Stay Tuned ……
It can only be Ben Simmons …… lols
This would be best trade ever.
Rockets could trade Wall for him, but other than that I think the Nets are stuck with him.
The Rockets are trying to build team chemistry with a young group of players. Although Eric Gordon is older than their other core players, he has looked much better this season than the last two (at least so far). Bringing in a disruptive player like Kyrie is the last thing Houston wants to do right now, they’re better off with Wall. Eventually they should reach some sort of buyout agreement.
Saw Wall at game I think. Picture oh him sitting in stands. He looks a little heavy. Gotta be out of shape. Just don’t get why you wash away this yr. For both he and Rockets.
Wall is quite big for a PG at 210 pounds. I’m sure it’s mostly muscle.
Iggy playing 8D chess, trying to finally end the “Lebron never had any help” narrative by big upping Kyrie haha.
Also Iggy, Steph and Dray wanted sex offender Avery Bradley over Gary “I stole Russell Westbrook’s soul and talent” Payton II, so now GSW literally has 2017 Russ at the 15 man spot and is part of why they are 11-1.
Just proves maybe Iggy, Dray and Steph’s best talents are on-court, not off? Leave the player/talent evaluations to the professionals?
Wow. Marty thinks The Mitten (GP II) is as talented as Westbrook circa 2017? OK.
The Mitten …… lol that was good
Harden at his best is a really good player, but it’s been some time I don’t hear someone so full of himself.
Harden is one of the 12 players in NBA history who has averaged 25 PPG throughout his career, nine of whom are already in the HOF. The other two active players are KD and LeBron. But not Steph Curry, he’s at 24.26 PPG.
#LetKyriePlay