James Harden’s stint with the Brooklyn Nets ended up being quite brief and it was a period that hardly saw Harden perform to the best level he could. The Beard was quite unhappy with his situation, especially in recent weeks, and that was one of the main factors that led to the Nets trading Harden to the Sixers in a deal involving Ben Simmons. But it seems that everything wasn’t ideal from the former MVP’s end either.
During his time with the Houston Rockets, Harden gained a reputation for partying and clubbing during the season and such, something that people questioned when his performances occasionally dipped. According to ESPN though, it seems that this didn’t change when he joined a proper contender in the Nets either, with Harden continuing his ‘late-night social habits’ as recently as last week when he was out injured.
“[James Harden] continued his late-night social habits, especially on the Nets' last Western Conference trip this month”😬
– ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne pic.twitter.com/VZp927jvJ1
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 11, 2022
The Brooklyn Nets were expected to be a little poor in Kevin Durant injury absence but a near 9-game road trip meant they would still have Irving and Harden for most of these games. However, the Nets began their slump during this stretch, a losing streak that has now stretched to 10, and Harden himself picked up a hamstring issue.
It seems that didn’t stop him from being out and about though, which could be another factor in his inability to help the Nets to a win. While he was close to his season averages, for the most part, Harden had a 13-point game and a 4-point game in this run of losses for the Nets. The Beard is a former MVP and should likely have done better in some situations.
The 76ers will be hoping that they get the best version of James Harden so they can maximize this trade but they will also be aware of the activities he reportedly continues to indulge in. Whatever he may do off the court, the truth remains that Harden is truly elite when it’s time to play the game. If he manages to lead Philly to a championship, he’ll probably be able to party for free anywhere in the city for the rest of his life.
