James Harden’s short run with the Philadelphia 76ers has been a huge success so far. As it turns out, replacing a guy who hadn’t played all season in Ben Simmons with a perennial MVP candidate is a massive upgrade.
That said, Harden isn’t just helping Philly on the court. He is also doing wonders for young Sixers players off it.
This week a video featuring Tyrese Maxey and Georges Niang, along with Harden’s good friend Dash Harris, went viral.
It largely speaks for itself:
Harden really took Maxey and Niang out to the club in Miami 💀💀💀 pic.twitter.com/RBkk7uLlay
— 𝘾 𝙝 𝙧 𝙞 𝙨 👽 (@SirEMBIID) March 6, 2022
While Harden himself wasn’t in the video, given his relationship with Harris and his proclivity for partying hard – fans made the obvious connection.
The reactions were telling:
Blame Harden https://t.co/MQeEsloo9A
— PLANET EARTH INC. (@Still_Spanky) March 8, 2022
Bro if I would’ve saw this earlier ain’t no way I would’ve bet on Maxey https://t.co/lj6of4VLXC
— The Real One (@whyme815) March 8, 2022
And look at maxey tonight playing like dogshit… https://t.co/dfWG5WN09D
— Tyler Hicks (@TH412_) March 8, 2022
If you’re wondering why Tyrese Maxey only has 2 points at halftime, this might explain it https://t.co/rBypueUo1z
— BetOnline.ag (@betonline_ag) March 8, 2022
classic harden not even 3 weeks and he’s doing this https://t.co/wfZhmNsr15
— bradynovak17 (seth curry stan) (@Brady_Novak17) March 7, 2022
Harden prolly a rookies favorite vet! https://t.co/NZWEpKIVjR
— Kip Smithers (@_iSplash) March 7, 2022
It’s easy to understand why fans feel some type of way about Harden’s involvement in all this. Again, his affinity for night life is legendary. Whether it’s maskless stripper parties, various club throw-downs or bizarre tickle wars with rappers – he is seemingly always wilding out.
The video speaks for itself. https://t.co/1uY8SZ5kVu
— Game 7 (@game7__) March 7, 2022
There’s a reason why Westbrook wanted to get away from him ASAP. And it just so happens to be the same reason NBA teams have hired private investigators to monitor his extracurricular activities.
For better or worse, this is who Harden is. And it looks like a pretty fun lifestyle. So it certainly makes sense that his young 76ers teammates would want to partake.
Related: Kristaps Porzingis Gets Honest About Kevin Durant’s Nickname For Him
A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
