The Rockets superstar has a kindred spirit in the
Juventus frontman, bound by a robotic ruthlessness that will never win over the masses beyond the confines of their home arenas
Not even his most ardent critics – and there are plenty of them – dispute James Harden’s greatness. His numbers are undeniable, he efficacy is unimpeachable, and his continued evolution, still adding wrinkles to his game at 30, is inspiring.
Yet it’s unlikely the Houston Rockets guard will ever be universally adored, at least not to the extent of a
LeBron James or even a Stephen Curry. It is a question of style, rather than substance, that prevents so many
basketball fans truly taking Harden into their heart. And, in this regard, there are parallels to be drawn between the
NBA scoring machine and soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.