As of today the collective Philadelphia 76ers and NBA universes are waiting for either a $47.3 million dollar, $223 million dollars, or $130 million dollar shoe to drop in the form of a James Harden contract. All three large amounts of money are to be paid out by the Sixers.
That’s a fact due to Harden’s proclamation at the end of season presser (per Keith Pompey of The Inquirier), Harden’s and Daryl Morey’s relationship, and Harden’s most recent history. No matter what deal Harden receives from the 76ers it surely can have a great effect on his legacy and the way he is viewed by his peers, coaches, front offices, and fans.
Harden’s new Philadelphia 76ers contract can affect his legacy: Background
James Harden is one of the greatest 75 NBA players of all time, one of the best shooting guards or point guards ever, an innovator of offense, and an MVP caliber player. That’s the cliff notes version of his resume that will be enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame in the late 2030s or whenever.
Of course, his legacy also has its holes that have been poked at. For example, like his lack of effort defensively, his grifting, his foul baiting, his inability to be the number one guy on a title team, and his choke jobs for lack of a better term.
The two sides to this bearded coin have you wondering what my point is in how this contract will affect how he is viewed and maybe how he views himself. That last point about himself is pure speculation. The other is factual because of the discourse we will all see playing out through what will be the stretch run of his storied career.