After visiting China for the first time in four years this past week for a promotional tour with his shoe and apparel sponsor, German sportswear company Adidas, Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden certainly felt the love and support from the Chinese fans.
The ten-time NBA All-Star was overwhelmed by the warm welcome in China that he is considering playing in the country someday.
"Every time I come here, the love is just like ... it's crazy, you know what I mean?" he said. "So I feel like they deserve to actually see me come play here. ... Love is always crazy here," the 2018 NBA Most Valuable Player told Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer.
CBA legend Stephon Marbury speaks on Harden's China Interest
Former two-time NBA All-Star Stephon Marbury, who spent the latter part of his professional basketball career in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), weighed in on Harden's potential stint in China.
Marbury said it is always good to see players from the NBA try China, and it would be good for basketball to see Harden play in the Far East.
However, the two-time All-NBA Third Team member does not think the Sixers star will go to China, as he is expecting Harden to receive a lucrative NBA deal soon.
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"I think he's gonna get another big contract in the NBA though," the 46-year-old said.
Marbury first arrived in China in 2010. He played for four teams in the CBA, most notably for the Beijing Ducks from 2011 to 2017.
He won three CBA championships with the Ducks in 2012, 2014, and 2015, claiming the CBA Finals MVP in his last title. The 1996 NBA Draft's fourth overall pick was also named an All-Star in the CBA thrice.
After ending his playing career in 2018, Marbury became the head coach of the Beijing Royal Ducks in 2019, a post he still holds today.
James Harden Blasts Daryl Morey in China
Harden infamously blasted Sixers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey during an Adidas event as part of the tour, calling him a liar for not following through with a handshake deal.
The Beard said he would never be a part of an organization that Morey is also a part of, emphasizing his words by repeating the same phrase twice.
After not coming to terms for a long-term extension near maximum level money, Harden initially opted in his $35.6 million 2023-24 season player option with the Sixers earlier this offseason, with the expectation of getting traded.
None of the teams that Harden was interested in could afford the aforementioned salary; hence the opt-in was made to ensure an exchange of assets. However, the Sixers pulled out of trade discussions with other teams, including Harden's desired destination Los Angeles Clippers.
Philadelphia has decided to bring back Harden for training camp after they concluded that they would not get back assets that would continue to make them championship contenders if they pulled the trigger on the 33-year-old's trade request.
Related Article: James Harden Indicates Interest in Playing in China
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