‘Duffle bags of cash’ James Harden is long gone as ex-player reveals Clippers star’s lifestyle changes

James Harden was once often criticized for not watching his weight and partying a lot during an NBA season.

‘Duffle bags of cash’ James Harden is long gone as ex-player reveals Clippers star’s lifestyle changes

Los Angeles Clippers superstar James Harden

Los Angeles Clippers superstar James Harden is playing at an elite level this season. He stayed back in his hometown and has helped keep the team in the playoff spots despite not having Kawhi Leonard around for much of the season.

Harden, a former MVP who once was credited for being a culture changer, has seemingly left his controversial days behind him. Now he is playing at a level that has surprised many. Fans and analysts felt the superstar’s ego, which he was once quite infamous for, will lead to a disaster in Los Angeles.

YouTube video

But so far, it has been anything but a disaster. In the eyes of many, that is because James Harden has ceded ground. The 35-year-old is focusing more on his playmaking than resorting to his infamous ball hogging routines. Former player Chandler Parsons details how that came about.

FS Video

He’s having a heck of a year. He can still be a No. 1 option on a team. You got to give him all the flowers too, just being able to have this longevity in his career. There is talks about him early on how he liked to drink a little bit, he had weight issues. He has completely revamped his image.

Chandler Parsons said

Many thought the Los Angeles Clippers would struggle this season, but so far, they have defied those expectations. Some could point at Norman Powell‘s All-Star caliber season. But unless Harden cedes ground, neither Powell nor anyone would take off.

James Harden once lived a flamboyant life

Chandler Parsons believes this change in James Harden’s approach to the game could come from how he has matured as an individual. Harden is no longer the partying solo superstar he once was. That prompted Run It Back host Michelle Beadle to say.

What happened to that guy? The guy with the duffle bags with cash for birthday party friends. Feel like we have seen nothing, nothing fun out of James Harden anymore.

Michelle Beadle said

The veteran journalist is referring to the birthday gifts James Harden gave rapper Lil Baby five years ago. The then Houston Rockets superstar gifted the rapper a $300,000 Prada duffle bag filled with goodies. Initially when opening the duffle bag, it seems to be filled with honey bun pastries.

But when Lil Baby moved the honey buns aside, there were bundles of hundred-dollar bills. They referred to ‘honey bun’ as a slang suggested there was $100,000 in cash inside. Harden also gifted Lil Baby a $200,000 Richard Mille watch. In return, Lil Baby has also showered the superstar with cash as gifts.

Clippers a dark horse in playoff race

James Harden will earn a grand total of $400 million from his NBA career after next season. Along with his massive endorsement deals and business ventures, that $600,000 birthday gift might not have mattered. But now what matters to him is his legacy.

His partying days are over, and he is focused on helping his hometown team. He wants to finish his career on a high, and nothing can be better than winning an NBA title. The Los Angeles Clippers might not be the superstar laden team of yesteryears, but they are quietly proving they are capable contenders.

Until Kawhi Leonard returned to the lineup in early January, it was not as if the Clippers were struggling. They were a plus .500 team and were firmly in the playoff spots. Even after their leading superstar returned, head coach Ty Lue has restricted his minutes.

That means, they are load managing their oft injured superstar while ensuring he gets to play every game. At the same time, Harden and Powell, under Lue’s guidance have managed to keep themselves in the playoff conversation.

They are building themselves as a quiet dark horse who are just going about their business without making much noise. Then once the playoffs start, this veteran heavy team will likely look to contend for that elusive NBA title.