Robert Covington reveals what makes James Harden a different type of NBA player originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
James Harden is enjoying himself with the Cleveland Cavaliers now as they hope to compete for a championship in the 2026 Playoffs. Harden is not a stranger to this, as he was regularly contending during his days with the Houston Rockets.
It was one of the most impressive runs for any player during that era. However, what made it even more amazing was the circumstances. His former teammate, Robert Covington, gave a lowdown on why he was constantly amazed by Harden.
Through the years, Harden has been known to be a top-tier player on the court. He is always an offensive engine who can change the game with his passing and scoring. Harden has proven to be an awesome teammate no matter where he goes.
At the same time, Harden loves to have fun off the court. He likes to party, so his schedule often had late nights, mostly during his Rockets days. Now, he is a bit more reserved since he is an older player.
MORE: The Cavaliers set brand new records with Game 2 performance
However, during those Rockets days, his teammates were impressed with how much fun he was having. At the same time, he was still doing well in practice because he remained committed.
Former teammate Robert Covington was always impressed with what he was seeing in Houston.
"Man can sit up there and go out. In my rookie year, James was always out all night. Four or five in the morning, and that man up at seven working out," Covington said about his rookie season playing with Harden.
That is further proof that Harden was and is still a special player. No matter what happens, he finds ways to be productive with his basketball development, and he has not dropped off since.
RJ Barrett believes Donovan Mitchell and James Harden are the toughest tests
Donovan Mitchell sees Evan Mobley's potential peaking at the right time
The Cleveland Cavaliers continue to dominate the Toronto Raptors in the Playoffs
Donovan Mitchell loves his dynamic with James Harden on the Cavaliers
James Harden knows they are not overlooking the Raptors