James Harden Reacts to Boston Celtics Legend's Bold Statement

LA Clipprers guard James Harden reacted to Paul Pierce's bold statement about him

Farbod Esnaashari | 20 Hours Ago

Dec 1, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden (1) moves the ball down court against the Denver Nuggets during the first half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

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Clippers superstar James Harden may not be one of the most popular players in the NBA, but he has tremendous respect from his peers and legends. One of those legends is Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce.

Last month, Pierce mentioned on 'KG Certified' that Harden changed the game more than Steph Curry did in a claim that was seen as very controversial online. While it was a claim that the internet may have had a problem with, it was one that Harden greatly appreciated.

Paul Pierce thinks James Harden changed than game more than Steph Curry

(🎥 @allthesmokeprod) pic.twitter.com/aZIstuuBdy
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 14, 2024

Clippers on SI spoke to Harden about Pierce's comments, to which the Clippers guard revealed that he was a fan of Pierce when he was growing up. Not only that, but he was a fan of Pierce's step back.

“Paul was another L.A. guy who I watched,” Harden said. “My brother went to [Kansas University] the same time Paul went there, so I watched Paul a lot. And I’ve said it before, his step-back was really, really great at that time, so I appreciate him because that was somebody that I watched.”

When it came to the statement of Harden's actual impact, the former MVP tried to take a much more humble approach. At the same time, he knew just how pivotal his game has been to basketball.

“I don't like to brag, I be very humble, but like, yeah, y'all see it,” Harden said. “Every kid is trying to do step-backs, even, I don't want to talk about it. Anyways… I be chilling. I don't like to brag, I don't like to, you know what I mean? Because it's evident. It's right there. People are shooting step-backs. They're dribble-dribble step-backs. From little kids to y'all favorite player so it is what it is.”

Last week, Paul Pierce said James Harden didn't receive enough credit for his impact on the game.

Harden revealed that he watched Pierce growing up and liked his stepback. Also said that he doesn't like to brag, but it's evident that everyone is doing his stepbacks now. pic.twitter.com/fPapwKkwtf
— Farbod Esnaashari (@Farbod_E) November 23, 2024