“James has always been a solo act” Colin Cowherd reveals his state of shock when James Harden decided to take a pay cut
Follow Us
Colin Cowherd surprised on the decision by James Harden
James Harden was considered to be a “high maintenance” player by many in the NBA world. While his abilities are unquestionable, he is not cheap by any means, and different franchises have already paid him large sums. He was the 2nd highest paid athlete in the league, costing Philly $44,310,840 per season. Additionally, now when Harden is due for an extension, everyone expected him to get a super-max contract. After being acquired by Philadelphia at last year’s trade deadline, many wondered if James Harden would re-sign with the team in the offseason. The Beard not only signed an extension but he also took a pay cut for the team to be able to add more players. It surprised many including analyst Colin Cowherd.
On “The Herd,” analyst Collin Cowherd praised Harden for his recent actions. He also said he was shocked by Harden’s sacrifice. In the current era of “getting Super Max contracts” is a general practice, Harden’s actions are without any doubt a great step allowing the franchise some more flexibility.
Cowherd said, “I’ve been critical of Carmelo and Westbrook and Kyrie for not looking in the mirror. For Harden to not only take a pay-cut, but to do it immediately … I did not know and did not think he was capable of it, because he’s always been a bit of a solo act. ”
James Harden and Philadelphia 76ers are ready to win at all “costs”
Former MVP James Harden has a unique scoring knack. He is a great shooter, from any range, ball-handler, and also very great in drawing fouls. He led the league in scoring 3 times and was assists champion in 2017 too. After leaving OKC he used to be “the guy” for the Rockets and he did wonders on an individual level. But he is yet to win NBA Championship.
To win one he joined Brooklyn Nets star power for 1 season, and after the chemistry issue, he requested a trade – landing him at Philadelphia. Now upon accepting the pay-cut, it was a clear message sent by Harden, as he wants to make a serious championship run for a player who has struggled to win in the playoffs. It’s been a cloud over his career.
Heading into the offseason, he pivoted and took a pay cut to help the team add additional pieces, It’s a clear sign of faith from Harden that he wants to give his team the best possible chance to contend in the Eastern Conference.
Cowherd appreciating the decision added, “It’s different in the NBA. From the time you’re 15 on it shoe deals it is you’re the man and for Harden to literally pivot off a disappointing postseason and say I’m gonna take a 15 million pay cut i want to play with dudes good for him. I did not know and did not think he was capable of it because he’s always been a little bit of a solo act”
Well, due to Harden’s decision; Philadelphia managed to add some familiar pieces around him to the team. From there, the 76ers added important free agents like P.J. Tucker and Danuel House, who played with Harden on the Houston Rockets. The team also added free agent Trevelin Queen, filling out their depth for the upcoming season. Tucker has championship experience as he helped the Milwaukee Bucks to the 2021 title. House is a wing who has played for six seasons. Queen played 10 games as a rookie guard with the Rockets last season. Melton is a four-year guard.
Harden was impressive with the 76ers last year. In 21 games, the guard averaged 21.0 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 10.5 assists per game. But an injury to big man Joel Embiid halted them in the Conference Semis. We will have to wait to see how things turned but for Philly in upcoming seasons, they have a very positive start for sure.
Also Read: “This ain’t over” WNBA star Kelsey Plum plotting revenge after being trolled by the commissioner
Stay Updated!
Kunal Chawda
(600 Articles Published)