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James Harden says he’s ‘probably’ the best NBA player

By Stanford Crissey

Feb 10, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) points to the sky against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. The Rockets won 127-118. Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 10, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) points to the sky against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. The Rockets won 127-118. Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Rockets guard James Harden tells reporters he’s the best in the game.

Houston Rockets guard James Harden is in the middle of the season of his life, averaginga career-high 27.4 points, 6.8 assists and 6.7 rebounds per game so far this season, and has to be considered one of the frontrunners for the MVP.

Is that enough to make him the best player in the NBA? Harden thinks so.

Speaking in front of reporters as All-Star weekend kicks off, Harden was asked who the best player in the NBA was, and replied, “probably me,” according to a tweet from SI.com’s Daniel Friedman.

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While in the past we might have laughed at this, he actually has a pretty good case now. Plus, it’s always important for an NBA star to have this kind of self-confidence.

On the other hand, defense is a huge part of basketball; one might say it’s about 50 percent, if one were to get all scientific. Fifty percent is also the correct answer to the question, “how often does James Harden attempt to get back on defense?”

Further rebuttal: LeBron James exists.

That being said, Harden has become one of the select few players who can say that and have it mean something. If you’re someone like Nick Young (and you know Nick Young would totally claim to be the best NBA player) it’s pure braggadocio; if you’re LeBron, you don’t really need to say it. Harden’s statement is more than just a comment to a reporter; it’s a statement of intent, saying that he believes he’s the best NBA player, and getting people used to the idea that, yeah, maybe he is.

Also, it’s always worth mentioning: James Harden used to be on the Thunder. You know, the team with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. How crazy would that team be right now if Harden was still there?

Sorry, Thunder fans. Hold back those tears. Hang in there, fellas.

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