James Harden during his fourth visit to Manila on June 26. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—There’s been a longstanding debate as to who should be on the NBA’s Mount Rushmore.
Everybody has their own take and even James Harden himself has his personal preference of basketball greats.
The only problem was there are too many deserving legends to name just four.
James Harden’s Mount Rushmore: Jordan, Kobe, Bird, Magic and Kareem. #NBA #FreeToHardenManila pic.twitter.com/TPBXCNJSDT
— Mark Giongco (@MarkGiongcoINQ) June 26, 2019
“Obviously, I mean, the Jordans, the Kobes, the Larry Birds, the Magics, the Kareems. There’s so many. They’re all Hall-of-Famers. They’ve all made a name for themselves,” said Harden Wednesday during his Free To Harden Manila press conference at SMX Convention Center.
READ: James Harden spends day 1 of Manila visit with PH wheelchair basketball team
The 29-year-old Harden, considered as basketball’s most lethal offensive weapon today, said the greats that had come before him are also the reason for his unwavering passion for the game.
It’s also why Harden is pushing himself to be a legend in his own right.
James Harden faces his Filipino fans here at SMX. #FreeToHardenManila pic.twitter.com/vNly8w1tKg
— Mark Giongco (@MarkGiongcoINQ) June 26, 2019
“That’s the reason why I play. I wanna be in that category. I wanna be in the Hall of Fame, I wanna be the best to ever do it,” Harden said.
READ: After eye injury, James Harden sets sights on game 3
“Growing up as a kid, we all have dreams, we all have goals and we wanna reach it and make it into a reality. So that’s what drives me everyday. Hopefully, when I’m done playing basketball and I’ve reached all the achievements I’ve set for myself, hopefully, I’m going to be one of those guys too.”
The 29-year-old Harden is currently at the peak of his powers. So far, he’s won an MVP award in 2018, has been included in seven All-NBA First Teams, named an All-Star five times and won back-to-back scoring titles in 2018 and 2019.
He may not be an all-time great at this point as his quest for an elusive NBA championship continues, but he’s on his way.