“More Fans Than Clippers Game” – Internet Hilariously Reacts to James Harden’s Starpower in China

Clippers star James Harden continues to stun the NBA world with his immense popularity in China during his UNO tour with Adidas.

“More Fans Than Clippers Game” – Internet Hilariously Reacts to James Harden’s Starpower in China

James Harden (Image By FirstSportz)

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This NBA offseason has been out of the ordinary off the court as unexpected deals have altered the league. While some players are taking a well-earned break, others are strengthening their bonds with loved ones who reside far away. This has not been the case for the Los Angeles Clippers star James Harden, who is currently in China.

This is a result of his partnership with Adidas, his attendance at numerous promotional events, and his interactions with his Chinese fan base. Harden would not mind it anyhow because of his popularity in China. As soon as he arrived in the Asian country for his 2025 UNO tour put out by the brand, he was greeted by a sea of passionate supporters as he exited the van.

This showcases the Clippers star’s popularity in the Asian nation. Similarly, Harden has recently been making rounds on the internet for an equivalent situation occurring at the Adidas store in Shenzhen, China.

The store was situated in a mall in Shenzhen, where hundreds of fans cheered for the Clippers star. The NBA community in general was left stunned by the crowd Harden pulled in China.

Harden’s popularity in China did not happen overnight. China and Harden have a lengthy history together, dating back to 2019–20, when former Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey infuriated the Chinese by tweeting in favor of Hong Kong.

Harden expressed how much he enjoyed playing in China at the moment and promptly apologized to the Chinese fans. “We apologise. You know, we love China,” he said to reporters. Aside from this, through corporate partnerships and cultural exchanges, Harden has left his mark. Most notably, his signature shoe line with Adidas has come to symbolize style, bravado, and worldwide influence.

Interestingly, Harden is not the only player who is in China promoting Adidas. Many different players like Ja Morant, Jimmy Butler, and Buddy Hield, were spotted during different intervals in China promoting their respective bands. Morant was also spotted hooping around with the Chinese players promoting his unreleased new colorways, which will be released soon, just like Harden’s Adidas shoe line.

Fans were left amused after coming across James Harden’s popularity in China

Just a week ago, fans were concerned about Harden’s fitness after coming across a viral video showcasing the Clippers star out of shape. Nevertheless, he is known to have trouble staying in shape throughout his career. It didn’t affect his Chinese fan base at all.

Many fans took to various NBA apps and sites to put forward their views regarding Harden’s popularity in the Asian country. One fan in particular was left stunned by the player’s popularity in China and trolled him in the process. The fan wrote on X, “More fans than there are at a Clippers game.” Check out some of the fan reactions below:

With Harden’s fitness being a real concern for his fans, many, particularly Chris Paul, Harden’s former Houston Rockets teammate, will be hopeful that he gets back to full condition in time for the upcoming season. They enjoyed their finest team record under their leadership when they played together at the Rockets in the past.

James Harden was not the only player mobbed in China

As mentioned above, James Harden was mobbed and greeted by hundreds of fans in Shenzhen because of his UNO tour with Adidas, but he was not the only one. In addition, alongside him was the Oklahoma City Thunder star Jalen Williams. The Thunder youngster’s rise to the NBA has been immense, considering his top-notch showing for his side this past 2024-25 NBA season.

Jalen Williams
Jalen Williams (Credits: MARCA)

Williams was one of the crucial factors, alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, for the Thunder to win the 2025 NBA title. Not only that, the Thunder have also snapped up Williams for the long term, agreeing to a massive $287 million contract. Just like Harden, Williams was also swarmed by the Chinese fans at the airport on his arrival.

The Thunder are positioned to be the favorites the following season as well, especially considering Williams’ ascent to fame. The defending champions will try to win it all again under the leadership of one of the league’s most gifted young players. The NBA and its influence outside of the US are acknowledged by the interest Chinese fans are showing.

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