Chris Russo Passionately Explained Why He Thinks James Harden Is ’Not a Winning Player’

He didn’t hold back.

James Harden’s looming free agency has been the talk of the NBA in recent days, as the Philadelphia 76ers face a decision on whether to stick with the current core in place or move on. But on ESPN’s First Take Wednesday morning, Chris “Mad Dog” Russo had some strong opinions on the future of the star guard, saying he’s not worth a max contract.

“[Harden] is so overrated on a day-in, day-out basis,” Russo said. “There are games that he plays where you say Wow, what a performance… and then in the next four to five games, he does nothing.”

Here’s Russo’s full rant.

.@MadDogUnleashed says James Harden doesn't deserve a max deal 😳

"He is so overrated on a day in day out basis." pic.twitter.com/mGqu2IvAJy

— First Take (@FirstTake) June 28, 2023

Harden is eligible to sign a four-year max contract this offseason worth more than $210 million with the Sixers, or $201.7 million with any other team, per RealGM. That assumes he declines his player option that would pay him $35.6 million this season.

“He is not a winning player,” Russo said. “I wouldn’t have him on my team.”

Russo also lit into Sixers president Daryl Morey, calling him “one of the most overrated executives in professional sports.”

Regardless of this take from “Mad Dog”, it seems a return to Philadelphia is the most likely outcome for Harden. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported on Get Up Wednesday that “indications are” that Harden will resign with the Sixers. What those contract details look like remains to be seen.