When the Cleveland Cavaliers acquired James Harden last season, it sent shockwaves throughout the NBA. It led to the Cavs having to adjust on the fly for the remainder of last season, but they were still able to reach the Eastern Conference Finals.
It was a bit of a weird offseason for Harden and the Cavs, as he remained unsigned deep into the summer. This was to give the team flexibility to make a big-time move, which they did by trading for Peyton Watson. Harden was reportedly very involved in that process and was more than happy to take less on his deal to make it happen.
Little things like that matter. And it is allowing Harden to dispel a narrative that has followed him around throughout his career.
James Harden is a good teammate and leader, not the diva he’s made out to be
Harden has gotten that “diva” label after multiple trade requests and clashes with front offices and ownerships. However, what gets swept under the rug often is the fact that he just wants to win and be a good teammate in the process.
He took a pay cut with the Sixers to allow them to build a championship-contending roster. He took a pay cut with the Clippers so they could keep their stars in him, Kawhi Leonard, and Paul George together.
He’s doing the same thing with the Cavs. He recruited Watson heavily throughout the summer, as both are from the Southern California area. Cleveland doesn’t land Watson if Harden signed for the max he was owed in July. No one would have blamed him. He technically had all the leverage in the world, as the Cavs had no means of replacing him.
Instead, he organized minicamps with his teammates. He invited them over to his house. He went above and beyond to make sure that he got to know everyone and help everyone get better in the process. Everyone in Cleveland gushes about how much they have learned from him.
Harden is by no means perfect. He has made some questionable decisions and has had lackluster performances in big spots. But that should not take away from the fact that is a the consummate professional and someone you would not mind having in your organization. We’ll see how all of this ends with the Cavs over the next couple seasons, but they have the talent to compete with anyone out East and Harden will be a huge part of that equation.
