Shaquille O’Neal on James Harden’s Struggles: “He Has Been in the League Long Enough”

James Edward Harden Jr. plays professional basketball for the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA. Through all this time, he had never gained popularity for his game. In addition to his playing style and tendency to get into foul trouble, he has also been criticized.

Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley discussed Harden’s play

In this episode, Shaq and Chuck discuss Harden’s failure to play well according to his responsibilities in Houston as well as his playing technique.

“When you say you gave the city your all, that ain’t true,” Shaq said. “You asked for Dwight Howard. We gave him to you. It didn’t work out. You asked for Chris Paul. We gave him to you. You asked for some shooters. We gave it to you. You asked for [Russell] Westbrook, your homeboy from little league, we gave him to you. It didn’t work out. When you say, ‘I gave you everything,’ I say, ‘No, you didn’t.’

Nov 24, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden (13) reacts to a call as they take on the Boston Celtics in the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Following this, Shaq mentioned Harden’s stats, indicating that his lack of success was not attributable to his supporting cast.

“I used to be like James,” O’Neal continued. “I used to come home and complain and my father, rest in peace, Sgt. Phillip Harrison, used to say, ‘Well what the hell did you do?’ He ain’t do nothing. He ain’t step up when he was supposed to step up. … I know a lot of people in Houston who are glad he’s gone.”

Furthermore, he suggested that Harden and the Nets should figure this out to make this move feasible.

“He’s got his little superteam,” O’Neal said. “He’s got to win this year. If he doesn’t win this year, it’s a bust. Period.”

The Brooklyn Nets’ James Harden discusses his on-court struggles

Oct 27, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden (13) drives the ball around Miami Heat guard Kyle Lowry (7) during the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

With regard to Harden being a point guard for Brooklyn Nets, he told his side of the story as follows:

“Honestly, I’m trying to figure all that out right now… when to score, be a playmaker, run offense, to do a bit of everything. It’s been a little difficult especially since – from whatever – but it’s been a little difficult.”

Please let us know your thoughts about the game of James Harden. 

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