As the 2023-24 NBA season approaches, all eyes are on Philadelphia 76ers star guard James Harden and his ongoing issues with the team, with recent signs of tension and his evident desire for a new team. Despite previous trade rumors linking him with the Los Angeles Clippers, ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith suggests that the Miami Heat might be the best solution for Harden’s career.
Harden’s recent moves, such as missing the Sixers’ media day and the start of their training camp have intensified the narrative of dissatisfaction surrounding him. While it’s clear that the star guard wants to leave Philadelphia, his actions have discouraged many teams from showing interest.
In a recent episode of “First Take,” Smith stated a strong opinion that teams should be careful when considering a move for Harden. However, he points out the Miami Heat as a potential exception, mainly due to their need for someone with Harden’s scoring ability.
“There are certain landing spots,” Smith said. “I would love to see him in Miami because I think they need someone with his skill set. He led the league in assists last year. We talk about James Harden like he’s not still an All-Star-caliber player. He’s not the three-time scoring champion that he once was. But he is a big-time player. He’s an All-Star, and he would definitely help them because of his ability to make shots and to play in that system.”
“I would love to see [James Harden] in Miami. I think they need somebody w/ his skill set. I actually think he needs Miami. He really does. That level of structure w/ an organization that he respects. The Clippers & Heat stand out in my mind. But I would say Miami” @stephenasmith pic.twitter.com/HMZGkmPpFJ
— Dru (@dru_star) October 4, 2023
Additionally, Smith highlighted that the renowned culture within the Miami organization could benefit Harden significantly, “I actually think he needs Miami, He really, really does. That level of structure with an organization that he respects, that you can’t get away with some of the shenanigans that he’s engaged in. And I say that respectfully because I am a fan of James Harden as a person and a player.”
Stephen A. Smith claims the Miami Heat could help in James Harden’s hunt for a ring
The speculation surrounding Harden’s future move is equally concerned with the next chapter of his career and his quest for an NBA Championship ring. While the Miami Heat might not have been the first name to pop up in the trade rumors, Smith’s bold claims have drawn attention to them.
Harden’s addition to the Heat would be beneficial in two ways. Firstly, it addresses the team’s need for increased offensive strength, highlighted by their recent miss on acquiring Damian Lillard and the departures of Gabe Vincent and Max Strus. Last season, Harden averaged 21.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 10.7 assists per game.
James Harden’s 14th NBA season:
21.0 PTS | 6.1 REB | 10.7 AST (3.4 TOV)
60.7 TS%
38.5 3P%
86.7 FT%– 1st in the NBA in assists per game ⭐️
– recorded 10 assists in 37/58 games
– 2nd highest 3PT% of his career
– least turnovers per game since becoming a starter in his career pic.twitter.com/meqMY8up87— Bradeaux (@BradeauxNBA) April 10, 2023
Secondly, Smith believes that Miami’s historic culture could change Harden, allowing him to forget past controversies and help him focus on his ultimate goal of winning the NBA Championship. Given Miami’s long history and the values they’ve built over the years, might just be the environment Harden needs to develop both on and off the court. Whether the Heat will make a move remains to be seen.
