James Harden thinks he deserves more credit for taking pay cut to stay in Philadelphia / News - Basketnews.com

Hames Harden feels like he's not getting the credit he should for taking a pay cut, so that the Sixers could sign other players in the off-season.

Credit: scanpix Credit scanpix

After calling himself "one of the most unselfish players probably that this league has ever seen," James Harden made another statement to back up his initial quote.

James Harden

Position:SG, PGAge:33Height:196 cmWeight:100 kgBirth place:Los Angeles, United States of AmericaProfileNewsStatistics

The Philadelphia 76ers star guardsat with The Athletic to discuss his free agency in 2022 that led him to the decision to take a pay cut by negotiating a new deal with the Sixers instead of using his $47.4 million player option and limiting Philadelphia's moves in the off-season.

The prolific scorer opted out and then re-signed with the Sixers on a 2-year deal. He will get paid $33 million in the 2022-23 season, which is no small number, but his move allowed the Sixers to bring in PJ Tucker, Danuel House Jr., and Montrezl Harrell in free agency.

However, Harden taking a pay cut triggered a tampering investigation for the Sixers. The 10-time NBA All Star feels like he's not getting the credit he should, and expressed his discomfort. Asked about whether he thinks he's receiving the recognition that he feels he should be given, he answered:

"Nope, but guess what? I don't care," while shaking his head for emphasis. "There’s like a stereotype where people always want to talk. People don't really know me, so they feel like they can just say anything. One thing I won't do is give them any attention. I won't say anything, media-wise, publicly. I don't care, because I'm comfortable and I'm confident in the things I do on and off the court," he pointed out.

Harden, 33, won three straight scoring titles with the Houston Rockets from 2017-20, but he is set to take a backseat next to Joel Embiid in Philadelphia.

In 21 appearances with the Sixers last season, after he got traded from the Brooklyn Nets, Harden averaged a near triple-double with 21.0 points, 10.5 assists, and 7.1 rebounds.

Like what we are doing? You can express your gratitude here.