Photo Credit: BRUCE KLUCKHOHN/USA TODAY SPORTS
The Philadelphia 76ers have taken a commanding 2-0 lead over the Brooklyn Nets in the first-round of the NBA playoffs. Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris and Tyrese Maxey have shown up, but 10-time All-Star James Harden has struggled mightily to begin their playoff campaign.
While Harden remains to be elite in the passing department, the 33-year old Sixers superstar is struggling to put the ball in the basket, averaging just 15.5 points per game on a lackluster 32.4% shooting from the field through two contests.
Harden’s playoff struggles have now come under scrutiny among fans and basketball pundits such as NBA analyst Colin Cowherd. Appearing on “The Herd”, Cowherd took dig at the former league MVP, calling him a glorified role player.
“Harden has always been a nightclub guy, a late-night guy, not as committed, and an in-and-out of shape guy…that’s fine but look at how fast he has eroded over the last four years. He’s fallen off a cliff. He’s aging really, really quickly.”
“James Harden is now a glorified role player with a shoe deal and lots of fashion. That’s fine but if you think he’s going to be a number two in the playoffs it’s not happening. That’s just not what he is anymore. At this point, if you’re relying on Harden in the postseason— shame on you.”
“James Harden now is a glorified role player with a shoe deal and lots of fashion.”
— @ColinCowherd pic.twitter.com/OLe0d2JMHm
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) April 18, 2023
