Does Harden still have a chance to win the NBA championship?

James Harden is still in the late stages of his career. Although age (35 years old) and declining form are objective factors, he still has the opportunity to compete for the championship. He can still average 22.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game in the regular season this season, but the size of the opportunity depends on the following key factors.

Harden

1. Team configuration and role positioning ensure the adaptability of the championship team: Harden needs to join a team with championship competition skills, and the team needs his organizational ability and playoff experience. Keep staying in the Clippers, if Leonard stays healthy and introduces an All-Star, Harden is still competitive as the third offensive point + organizational core. If you go to other strong teams, such as the Celtics and the Nuggets, you may be more efficient as supporting roles. But the ball and salary need to be sacrificed: Harden needs to accept a salary cut and a lower tactical status (similar to the 2021 Nets era).

Little Card

The Contingency in the Playoffs: The Heat's dark horse journey in 2023 proves that a reasonable lineup + luck may create miracles. Harden needs to avoid a critical battle slump (such as the 2023 Celtics G7). Competitor structure: The aging of the core lineup of teams such as the Warriors and the Nuggets may open a window for other teams.

Warriors

Harden's disadvantage: He has not proved that he can adapt to the intensity of the finals as a non-core identity, and veteran players such as Kidd and Payton have higher defensive value. Harden's championship window has not been completely closed yet, but time is tight and requires a combination of time, place and people.

Harden and Xiaoka