76ers' James Harden Says Getting Healthy, Returning to Elite Form Is His Top Priority

James Harden said his priority this off-season is to be healthy.

The guard told Faurote that he was limited by injuries.

"I've had the luxury of not having to deal with any serious injuries—with surgeries or whatnot—my entire career. But these last two years, I’ve been dealing with some hamstring issues, which are nothing to play with. So I’m taking this summer as an opportunity to do something for me, to make sure that I get back to the elite level that I know I can be at and that I will be at. So that’s priority No. 1."

Harden averaged 33.7 points per game over the course of the last two years. The Philadelphia 76ers have averaged just 23.1 points per game in the two years since they were acquired from the Brooklyn Nets.

He took a 15 million pay cut to return to the 76ers after declining his $47 million player option.

The 76ers could be a legitimate title contender if Harden returns to form. One of the most exciting young point guards in the league is Tyrese Maxey, who has proved to be one of the most exciting rookies in the league. The team can match up with any team in the NBA with the help of veterans like P.J. Tucker.

The pressure is still on Harden after his poor performance with Philadelphia.

The guard filled up the stat sheet with 21.0 points, 10.5 assists and 7.1 rebound per game, but he lacked the efficiency and aggressiveness we have seen in the past He made less than 40 percent of his shots in 21 games with the 76ers, the lowest percentage of his career.

Harden averaged 18.6 points per game in the playoffs.

The 32-year-old missed about three weeks in February with a hernia problem. He was traded away from Brooklyn due to his absence.

He will be much more dangerous in 2022-23 if he gets back to full strength over the summer.