Only a title justifies commitment to Harden
The largest contract extension in NBA history comes with at least one ring, right?
In the weird, hazy days following James Harden’s inexplicable Game 6 no show against San Antonio in the Western Conference semifinals — 114-75 Spurs in a horrific season ender; Harden halfheartedly bumbling along the hardwood and consistently forgetting to shoot — the only recurring thought that made sense was this: Harden would have to win a championship in Houston to erase the insult.
And even with Chris Paul now beaming in the Rockets’ backcourt and visions (nightmares?) of Carmelo Anthony in red dancing in our heads just two months after Game 6, the $228 million Les Alexander has promised to place in Harden’s hands only pays off one way. A championship. That’s it. And that’s all that Harden will be measured by from this point forward.
LeBron James can wrap three fingers in title rings and has a second summer home in the Finals.
Stephen Curry has two championships and just helped Kevin Durant capture his first.
What do Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Dwyane Wade, Dirk Nowitzki, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and so many other NBA stars have in common in the new millennium?
The one thing Harden really hasn’t come close to winning since he became a Rocket in October 2012: A ring.
Yes, salary-cap geeks, I know that Harden’s monumental payday is ultimately just a reflection