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Famed ESPN character Stephen A. Smith by no means wastes a possibility to ship a scorching take. Because the co-host of the ever-popular morning present, First Take, Smith spews every day takes on all totally different sports activities for your complete nation to listen to.
Smith has lengthy claimed LeBron James is the second finest participant behind solely Michael Jordan to ever play within the NBA, however he just lately casted a stunning vote for who he thinks is the most effective participant within the league this 12 months.
Stephen A. Smith is a famous LeBron James stan
It’s no secret who ESPN character Stephen A. Smith thinks is the best basketball participant to ever stay. Smith has all the time maintained that Michael Jordan is the NBA GOAT over LeBron James, however he nonetheless has a ton of affection for the King.
Though Smith doesn’t consider James has handed Jordan as the best participant of all time, he’s admitted that James has established himself as an in depth second.
“I do suppose [James is] the second biggest participant to have ever lived,” Smith mentioned on an episode of First Take in 2019. “I feel he’s on the Mount Rushmore of basketball. He’s completely phenomenal. I might remind everyone that I’ve picked him to be my league MVP this 12 months and the Lakers to win the [NBA championship] due to this man, LeBron James.”
Properly, he was proper about a kind of predictions.
Stephen A. Smith says James Harden is the most effective participant within the NBA this season
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Stephen A. Smith might need a comfortable spot for LeBron James, however he has a distinct vote for the most effective participant within the NBA this 12 months. Smith says that label belongs to James Harden.
“James Harden has been sensational,” Smith mentioned on Wednesday’s version of First Take. “…He’s performed like the most effective level guard within the recreation, to not point out the truth that his protection within the put up space, displaying his energy, he couldn’t be pushed round. Simply ask Kawhi Leonard how powerful he was within the put up by way of protection. James Harden has been nothing wanting sensational. He’s a league MVP candidate, and though Joel Embiid is enjoying lights out… James Harden simply merely is James Harden, displaying his degree of selflessness, and he’s main this crew.”
Is James Harden actually the most effective within the NBA in 2021?
It’s laborious to dub James Harden the most effective participant within the NBA this season contemplating he isn’t even a starter on the Japanese Convention All-Star crew, however that doesn’t precisely inform the entire story.
Harden has been distinctive ever since he acquired out of the nightmare scenario in Houston and joined the Brooklyn Nets in January. He’s averaging 25.2 factors, 8.5 rebounds, and a league-high 11.6 assists per recreation together with his new crew. Harden even leads the Nets in win shares this season regardless of enjoying in simply 19 of the crew’s 33 video games.
With Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving rotating out and in of the lineup recently, Harden has led the Nets to seven straight wins. Brooklyn now sits simply 0.5 video games behind the Philadelphia 76ers for the No. 1 seed within the East, and Harden is the most important purpose why.
All stats courtesy of Basketball Reference
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