One thing that makes Houston Rockets’ James Harden so unique is his durability. Apparently, he doesn’t need any rest to keep up that pace.
NBA superstars don’t just miss games due to injury or anymore. The league pampers their big names with designated rest days that the players welcome with open arms. Except for Houston Rockets point guard and MVP contender James Harden.
Harden isn’t built like his peers. He’s more in the same vein of his former teammate and fellow workhorse Russell Westbrook. When the five-time All-Star was asked about taking the day off, he responded in exactly the way you’d expect.
Via Jonathan Feigen of The Houston Chronicle:
“I’m a hooper,” Harden said. “I just want to hoop. I’ll rest when I’m done. I feel like my teammates and organization need me to go out there and do what I do. I get obviously paid for it, but it’s something I love. I enjoy the grind. I enjoy how hard it is. I think that makes you tougher. That makes you who you are.”
There seems to be an understanding within the team that their star player isn’t going to take any days off.
According to Harden, head coach Mike D’Antoni is on board.
“Mike knows not to come at me with that,” Harden said.
“The Beard” led the league in minutes per game and total minutes last season, and he’s currently seventh and second respectively in the same categories. The eight-year veteran has only missed one game (due to suspension) in the last three seasons.
If Houston wanted their franchise player to get some rest (like Cleveland with LeBron James) it would make some sense. Although right now Harden’s not hearing any of that.