James Harden is certain he is the best basketball player in the world

The Houston Rockets’ MVP candidate believes he is the cream of the crop when it comes to his craft.

To be the best, people often say you have to believe you’re the best. In sports, it is quite common to hear players speak out about how special they are. Add James Harden to that list, who once again expressed his opinion on his basketball ability.

Featured in TIME Magazine, The Beard was asked if he was the best player in the world right now. He didn’t blink:

"“For sure. I feel like I’m solid in everything: IQ, studying the game, I can score the basketball, make my teammates better. There are not a lot of guys that have all those characteristics in one.”"

It is hard to deny anything Harden acknowledges here; he is without a doubt one of the NBA’s best. But the best? That is up for debate. Harden clarified his words, however:

"“You can ask all those top guys who the best player is, of course they are going to say themselves. Because as a basketball player you’re confident in your craft. It’s not taking shots at anybody. It’s a confidence” (TIME Magazine)."

Due to the fact Harden has said this before, this is of no surprise. He is spot on when he says the best always have confidence in themselves. It is simply how they are wired.

With that being said, it is tough to call Harden the world’s best. LeBron James has safely locked that spot up for most people after what he accomplished last year. Russell Westbrook, Kawhi Leonard, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant all have a case as well.

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Harden might have more support for his case if he wins MVP. The switch to point guard has been beneficial as he is averaging a spectacular 29.2 PPG, 11.3 APG, and 8.3 RPG.