84 Rating? Just 84! Another Blow to Harden! Worse Than the Green Hat Drama…

James Harden recently celebrated his 35th birthday, but the festivities were marred by several unexpected issues that left fans and followers buzzing. The most notable controversy came from his girlfriend, Paije Speights. She posted a video on social media where she was seen getting a little too close to another man, who even kissed her on the cheek. The video quickly went viral, prompting Paije to delete it after realizing the stir it caused. But the damage was done. The internet exploded with jokes, with many questioning Harden's reaction to this "green hat" moment.

Adding to the drama, Harden's friend, rapper Lil Baby, found himself in hot water after the birthday party. Following the celebration, Lil Baby was pulled over by police and arrested for possessing an illegal weapon. Harden, showing support, shared Lil Baby's song "CBFW" on social media, sparking a wave of questions from fans. One of the top comments asked whether Harden would be paying for his friend’s bail.

No wonder Harden seems to prefer his time in China. Just days after returning to the U.S., he's already dealing with these frustrating situations. It's enough to make anyone want to escape.

But let’s talk about what’s happening on the court. With Paul George and Russell Westbrook both leaving the Clippers, many fans assumed Harden would step up and dominate next season. However, the latest NBA 2K ratings did not reflect this expectation. Harden's overall rating dropped to just 84, lower than players like Khris Middleton and Rudy Gobert. While some might see this as a slap in the face, Harden didn't seem too bothered. His response was simple and confident: "See you on the court."

Statistics website Basketball Reference (BBR) offered a prediction for Harden's performance next season, estimating that he would average 18.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 9.1 assists, and 1.1 steals per 36 minutes, with shooting percentages of 42.5% from the field and 37% from three-point range. Last season, Harden averaged 16.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 8.5 assists in 34.3 minutes per game, with shooting percentages of 42.8% and 38.1% from the field and three-point range, respectively. Given that he will likely have more control of the ball next season, especially with Kawhi Leonard’s inconsistent availability, it's reasonable to expect Harden to surpass 20 points per game.

Despite the stats and ratings, Harden remains unfazed. He knows that the true test of his abilities will be on the court, not in video game ratings or statistical predictions. As he himself said, "The real answer is in the game."

During his summer trip to China, Harden confidently stated that he would make a return to the All-Star Game next season. At 35 years old, Harden isn't quite over the hill yet, though many seem to underestimate his potential. With a renewed sense of purpose and a chip on his shoulder, Harden might just surprise everyone who doubted him.