« I have a chance to compete for the title », Harden justifies his transfer

During his first appearance in front of the media in the colors of the Brooklyn Nets, James Harden did not fail to display his ambitions: to win the NBA champion ring. The former Rockets star also returned to his controversial comments about Houston.

« I am an elite player, an elite teammate and an elite leader. » These are the first words of James Harden, for his first appearance in front of the press since the officialization of his transfer to the Nets. The 31-year-old American has widely expressed his desire to win his first NBA title with the Nets.

« Joining this team means a lot. Here I have a chance to compete for the title. I have a sense of sacrifice, I am ready to do whatever it takes to rack up the victories, » said the top scorer of the NBA over the past three seasons.

Harden therefore does not hide his ambitions with Brooklyn, while he will soon be lined up alongside Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant: « Now at this point in my career, I want to give myself a chance to accomplish something that I do not want to see. haven’t accomplished in the league yet. That’s why I’m in Brooklyn. We obviously know it won’t be easy. With the roster and the coaching staff and the franchise, I think we have a real chance to get there. « 

« I wasn’t trying to disrespect anyone »

The point guard then took the opportunity to make a mea culpa about his media release on the Rockets: « I was there for a long time. I went through ups and downs with this franchise and I have disrespected anyone « , justified Harden. A few weeks earlier, the latter estimated that the Rockets, where he spent eight seasons, were « not at the level » at the start of the 2021 season.

« I just made a comment that the team as a whole weren’t strong enough to fight for the title, » the former Rockets star continued. « At this point in my career, that’s what I would love to accomplish. I wasn’t trying to disrespect anyone, especially not the franchise. I have nothing but love and respect for this franchise and this city of Houston and everything. they did for me and my family. Huge respect. «