Last season, the Los Angeles Clippers made headlines by trading for star guard James Harden, stirring up questions about how he would fit into the team environment. Known for his dramatic past, there were concerns about whether Harden’s transition to Hollywood would be smooth.
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Surprisingly, Harden kept things low-key upon his arrival, helping the Clippers become a formidable contender in the Western Conference. Partnering with Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, he contributed to forming a powerful “big three” for Los Angeles.
Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images
Although Harden’s peak days may be behind him, he still showcases impressive scoring ability. However, his recent NBA 2K25 rating of 84—five points lower than last year—has sparked displeasure among fans. While his performance dipped, much of it can be attributed to sharing the stage with two other All-Stars.
James Harden’s NBA 2K25 rating has dropped and the fans are not happy 👀
His ratings over the years:
🔸 2K19-21 – 96 overall
🔸 2K22 – 94 overall
🔸 2K23-24 – 89 overall
🔸 2K25 – 84 overallIs The Beard being disrespected? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/hWF3JBk79L
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 21, 2024
Last year, he averaged 16.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game while hitting 38.1 percent from beyond the arc, marking one of the best shooting seasons of his career.
When asked about his NBA 2K25 rating during an interview with KHOU 11 News Houston, the 10-time All-Star responded with a laid-back attitude, stating, “I’m going to show ’em on the court. I don’t really care about my rating,” while chuckling.
I happened to notice @NBA2K gaming fans are upset by @JHarden13 James Harden’s rating in NBA2K25.
I asked him about it. Had he seen it or heard about it?
“Nah, I don’t… I’m going to show ’em on the court. I don’t really care about my rating,” he said with a chuckle. @KHOU pic.twitter.com/ktdxfVU0Xs
— Jason Bristol (@JBristolKHOU) August 23, 2024
With George no longer part of the squad, Harden’s role is set to increase significantly. He will need to collaborate closely with Leonard to help push the Clippers further this season.
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Los Angeles is expected to lean on their depth, and with Harden likely taking charge as the primary point guard, he’ll have the chance to showcase his skill in orchestrating the offense. To make a real impact, Harden must demonstrate that he can still play at an All-Star caliber, especially given Leonard’s injury history. He may very well be the key piece in the Clippers’ success this year.
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