James Harden and Michael Jordan at the age of 35: A comparison that highlights the differences in their careers.
Recently, I wrote about James Harden and Dwyane Wade, both at the age of 35, as they are top-tier shooting guards in the league. Now, let's talk about Harden and Jordan at 35. One is still writing his legend, while the other is a legend himself.
At 35, Harden is in the twilight of his peak years, having played 15 seasons in the NBA since the 2009 season. He has amassed numerous accolades, including MVP, assists leader, sixth man of the year, and scoring champion. The only regret is the lack of a championship title, despite having two opportunities with the Rockets that fate did not favor him with. Throughout his career, Harden has been known for his high basketball IQ, ability to play within the rules, and comprehensive skill set, including step-back threes and various Euro-steps. His main weakness is underperforming in crucial moments, with solid regular-season leadership but faltering in the playoffs.
This season, at 35, Harden averages 22.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, 8.3 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, with shooting percentages of 39.1%, 35.3%, and 88.9%. He has accumulated a total of 24,693 points in his NBA career so far.
Jordan, on the other hand, started playing in the NBA in 1984, spending 13 seasons with the Bulls and 2 with the Wizards. In his 13 seasons with the Bulls, he won 10 scoring titles, an efficiency unmatched in NBA history. His skills were virtually flawless, described as textbook-level, with both offensive and defensive prowess. At 35, Jordan averaged 28.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 2.83 steals per game, with shooting percentages of 46.5%, 23.8%, and 78.4%. That season, he led his team to 60 wins and won the MVP award, a truly god-like level of performance. By the age of 35, he had amassed a total of 32,292 points.
Based on the data and technical analysis presented, it's clear that Harden falls short of Jordan by more than just one level. If Harden fails to win a championship this season or in the coming seasons, his chances become slim. However, he could follow in the footsteps of Dwight Howard, joining a championship-contending team in the twilight of his career to play a supporting role, potentially earning a championship ring. This may be something Harden is reluctant to do, but circumstances may force his hand, much like Allen Iverson, Tracy McGrady, and Karl Malone, who also sought championships late in their careers but were ultimately unsuccessful.