James Harden has had some cringeworthy moments this season and Shaquille O’Neal has surely taken notice.
The Houston Rockets’ superstar was ’honored’ as the best of the worst on Tuesday (Wednesday, Manila time), on Shaq’s NBA TV comedy show—which pokes fun at the league’s biggest blunders.
Despite finishing second in the league in points per game and being selected as an All-star for the fourth straight year, “The Bearded One” received flak for his defensive gaffes and penchant for turnovers throughout the season.
He was also left out from the All-NBA team selection, despite solid averages of 29 points, six boards and 7 dimes per game.
“Thats a surprise because he’s a great player, he’s great scorer,” San Antonio Spurs guard Danny Green said in the video. “I guess most of it is because of some of his turnovers”.
Harden’s first round playoff opponent, Draymond Green, shared his thoughts as well. “I know that has to be because of his defense. Im sure if the big fella [Shaq] says he should, he has a lot of clips to back it up,” the Golden State Warriors’ forward said.
Meanwhile, his backcourt buddy, Patrick Beverly, obviously had his teammate’s back.
“No, why? He should be the MVP period this year. All the stuff he did to get his team to the playoffs, but no. I definitely don’t think he should be Shaqtin a Fool MVP,” he said.
His NBA peers CJ McCollum, Reggie Jackson, Kevin Love and Jeff Teague chimed in as well.
Harden joins back-to-back winner JaVale McGee (2012, 2013), Kendrick Perkins (2014) and Otto Porter Jr. (2015) in the prestigious club.
He becomes the first NBA-All Star to win the award. Khristian Ibarrola