The Baltimore Ravens quarterback is considered the James Harden of the NBA. Jackson is in his 4th season with the Baltimore Ravens, they drafted him as a No. 32 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft. Since then he is one of the best quarterbacks in the league. He won the MVP award in his second season and is a 2x Pro bowl. However, in his short career so far, he is compared to Harden of the NBA in the NFL.
Harden and Lamar Stack up great numbers in the regular season in their respective professions. However, they have often failed to deliver big-time in the playoffs. Both of them are crucial players for their teams, but fail to cope with what their opponents bring to the table in the post-season run. They both are good on the offensive end, passing and rushing for Jackson, and playmaking and scoring for Harden. More importantly, both are without a championship title.
James Harden is a great comp for Lamar. Both are generationally gifted at two key components of the offensive game (passing/rushing for Lamar & scoring/playmaking for Harden). They’re also heavily criticized for style of play despite consistently being winners & having no help. pic.twitter.com/WUuC7bXzWr
— Free Throw Bro (@thoughtsnbball) March 8, 2023
However, Harden has earned himself a reputation for changing teams to win an NBA title. Something This is a similar situation with Jackson as well, who became a free agent this season. According to reports Jackson and the Ravens failed to strike a negotiation. According to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen and Adam Schefter, Jackson turned down a five-season deal worth $250 million. Of which, $133 million is guaranteed at the signing. “Despite best efforts on both sides, we were unable to reach a contract extension with Lamar Jackson,” said Ravens GM Eric Decosta.
Statement from General Manager Eric DeCosta. pic.twitter.com/HpaD2ccSp2
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 9, 2022
NFL teams will be on the lookout after he becomes a free agent. Teams will need to offer a contract worth more than what the Ravens were willing to offer him. If not, then they will have to at least match what they were initially offering.
Will James Harden win the first NBA title of his career with the Philadelphia 76ers?
Unlike Lamar Jackson, Harden has another season left on his contract with the Sixers. Lamar will be looking to leave his team this season, as for Harden he has a championship-caliber team. As things stand, Harden will not be in a rush to sign an extension, as things are looking good for the Sixers. The Sixers are 3rd in the Eastern Conference and are the 4th best offensive team in the league. Harden this season is averaging 21.9 points and 10.8 assists, in the league right now.
Both Harden and Joel Embiid is leading in assists and points per game respectively this season. They are in a strong position this season, to make it to the Conference Finals. However, there are Boston Celtics and the Milwaukee Bucks who threaten the Sixers’ chances. There are chances, that the Sixers will be matched with the Celtics in the second round.
