James Harden has struggled so far this season, with pundits and fans trying to figure out the cause of his poor performance. While many believe it is as a result of the new NBA rule, some others think it is the new Wilson ball.
But after the game against the Phoenix Suns on November 27, Harden broke the silence on why he believes his productivity has taken a massive dip. Despite Kevin Durant’s 39-point game, The Brooklyn Nets lost 113-107, with Harden scoring only 12 points.
When asked about how he is adjusting without Kyrie Irving, he said he is still trying to figure out when to score and when to be a playmaker.
James Harden was asked about adjusting and knowing when to pass and when to score without Kyrie in the lineup.
“Honestly, I’m trying to figure all that out right now.” pic.twitter.com/Nw23Gt3GeU
— Anthony Puccio (@APOOCH) November 28, 2021
“Honestly, I’m trying to figure all that out right now. I’m trying to figure it out. I’m trying to figure out when to score, when to be a playmaker, when to run the offense, when to do a little bit of everything.”
NBA Analyst Charles Barkley was dumbfounded to hear that and was furious with Harden’s thought process. According to Sportscasting, Chuck said:
“I don’t know what the hell he was saying. That makes zero sense whatsoever. He’s been there a while now, and especially with no Kyrie. Like, dude, y’all ain’t got but two players. Y’all got two guys and a some JAGs — just a guy. That’s it. That’s what they got, just some guys. … So I don’t know what the hell James is talking about.”
It seems like Harden was quick to figure things out, as he had a much better game against the New York Knicks. He had a game-high 34 points, adding 10 rebounds, and 8 assists.
Harden is averaging 21 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 8.0 assists. If the three-time scoring champ continues to deliver at such a high level, only then do the Nets stand a chance of contending for the championship. So far, they sit atop the Eastern Conference standings with a 15-6 record.
