James Harden has finally responded to the buzz surrounding his surprisingly low rating in the upcoming NBA 2K25 game. Rated at just 84, this marks the lowest rating for Harden in a 2K game since his breakout as an All-Star. During an interview with Jason Bristol of KHOU 11 News in Houston, Harden was asked about his reaction to the rating. His response was calm and confident:
“Nah, I don’t… I’m going to show ’em on the court. I don’t really care about my rating.”
James Harden on his 84 rating in NBA 2K25.
“Nah, I don’t [know my rating]. Imma show ‘em on the court. I don't really care about my rating.”
(via @JBristolKHOU)
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) August 23, 2024
Harden made it clear that he’s more focused on proving himself through his performance on the hardwood rather than in a video game. To put it into perspective, Harden’s rating is just one point higher than Tyler Herro and Kyle Kuzma and one point lower than Rudy Gobert and Bradley Beal, sparking a lot of conversation among fans.
Harden’s rating has seen a significant drop over the years, reflecting the changes in his role and production. Once rated as high as 96 in NBA 2K games from 2018 to 2021, Harden’s decline to 84 highlights the adjustments he has had to make, especially after joining the Los Angeles Clippers.
Last season, Harden averaged 16.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game, with a solid shooting percentage of 42.8% from the field and 38.1% from three-point range. Despite these respectable numbers, his usage was lower due to sharing the court with stars like Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
Now, with George no longer on the Clippers’ roster, Harden’s role and importance to the team are set to increase. This upcoming season presents an opportunity for Harden to silence any doubters and potentially boost his rating in future updates of the game. As Harden himself said, he’s ready to show everyone what he’s capable of on the court, and that’s where he believes the true value of a player should be judged.
For fans and critics alike, James Harden’s performance in the 2024-2025 season will be closely watched, as he aims to prove that his lower rating is nothing more than a temporary misjudgment.
This May Be James Harden’s Final Chance To Win A Title
James Harden, now 34 years old, finds himself in what could be his final opportunity to secure an NBA championship. The Los Angeles Clippers, recognizing his potential, signed him to a 2-year, $70 million contract despite losing Paul George. This puts Harden in a crucial position alongside Kawhi Leonard as the team’s key star.
Unlike his previous stints with the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers, Harden won’t need to defer to other ball-dominant players. Kawhi Leonard, known for his efficiency and ability to play off the ball, allows Harden to be as aggressive as he was during his prime years with the Houston Rockets. This setup gives Harden the chance to play to his strengths, racking up points and assists while orchestrating the Clippers’ offense.
However, time is not on Harden’s side. While he remains an All-Star-caliber player, his game has slowed slightly from his MVP days. The Clippers will need him to step up and deliver consistently if they hope to make a deep playoff run.
The Clippers are also known for being an aggressive front office. If the opportunity arises to add more star power, they will likely pursue it, giving Harden the potential support he needs to chase a title. But this aggression cuts both ways; if Harden underperforms, the Clippers might not hesitate to explore trade options.
For Harden, this season represents a critical juncture. It may be his last, best chance to win the elusive NBA championship that has so far evaded him.
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