“Can’t teach an old dog new trick” – James Harden could be OUT of the league due to his arrogance, claims Paul Pierce

Paul Pierce suggests that if James Harden doesn't alter his approach and adapt his playing style to benefit his team, he might face the risk of being out of the league.

“Can’t teach an old dog new trick” – James Harden could be OUT of the league due to his arrogance, claims Paul Pierce

James Harden (via Pinterest)

James Harden’s situation in Philadelphia continues to worsen as time goes on. The team has declined him to participate in the road games they were scheduled to play. It doesn’t help his case that Tyrese Maxey has broken out as a phenomenal scoring option in his absence. This diminishes the team’s need for Harden. NBA Finals MVP Paul Pierce discussed how James Harden might face being out of the league because of certain things.

Paul Pierce wanted Harden to evolve his game according to the team’s needs. Pierce talked about how Harden needs to ask himself questions about whether he was willing to sacrifice his role to help the team win. According to Pierce, if he cannot do that, he might be out of the league.

This is what Pierce said: 

We want the James Harden who is willing to say to himself, 'I am willing to sacrifice and play a role to make this team better. Am I willing to come off the ball a little more? Spot up in the corner? Set some screens?' But to me, you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. So that’s why I say what I say when he could be out of the league.
Paul Pierce via Showtime.

The Philadelphia 76ers are performing well without James Harden?

The Philadelphia 76ers were predicted to struggle without James Harden setting the table for the team. He was the league’s assist leader last season. However, with new Head Coach Nick Nurse at the helm of the offense, the team was not missing James Harden. Tyrese Maxey seems to have taken a leap in performance and aided the team in achieving success.

76ers deny Harden trade request
James Harden (via ESPN)

Maxey has averaged 30.3 points per game and providing a unique offensive game to the 76ers. Despite being the third option, he couldn’t yield the same impact in the shadow of Harden. The intensity he brought to the floor and his speed while taking the ball up the court was incredible.

In the three games the 76ers have played this season, a different player has led them in assists each game, filling the playmaking void left by Harden. It will be interesting to see if the season progresses well for the 76ers, with Maxey and Joel Embiid leading the team.

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