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It seemed there were endless reports about the “toxic” culture James Harden cultivated in Houston during his Rockets tenure. That does not appear to be an issue with the Brooklyn Nets.
A league source told Mike Mazzeo of Forbes “The Beard” is showing more selflessness and self-control as a member of the Nets:
“In Houston, James would complain about everything to the team CEO (Tad Brown). He’s gotten high-level guys traded. The Rockets gave him too much control,” the source said, via Mazzeo. “But in Brooklyn, he’s not making it about himself. He’s been very humble and gracious, making plays for others. And he’s done a phenomenal job keeping himself in check.”
Harden's arrival in Brooklyn brought about questions as to how he and Kyrie Irving would share the ball in the backcourt. Kevin Durant had experience as an off-ball mover and scorer on a star-studded Golden State Warriors team, but Harden and Irving were more ball-dominant by nature. Could their egos coexist in Nets uniforms?
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The answer thus far has been a resounding “yes.” Harden has made a point of sharing the ball, averaging 11.4 assists in 23 games with the Nets. He has excelled in forcing opponents to choose in pick-and-roll, sometimes forcing extra defenders to help on straight-line drives and subsequently finding DeAndre Jordan for lobs or spotting open cutters and shooters.
Perhaps basketball fans really should have believed Harden when he said he was relieved to have less of the offensive burden on his shoulders. It has allowed him to play with more freedom and tap into his leadership tendencies.
The Nets are better for it.
