3 Things James Harden could learn from The Last Dance

2. Bring a Winning Mentality to the Rockets

Michael Jordan hated losing with a passion. He would do whatever it took to make sure his team finished on top, no matter the circumstances. When he did lose, he took it to heart and didn’t take it lightly. Jordan put his blood, sweat and tears into the game to make sure losing was not an option. So of course, during those rare times he did lose, it was extremely hard for him to get over.

James Harden, on the other hand, has had some different reactions in the past. After being eliminated by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2017 Western Conference Semifinals, following a game in which he had a complete meltdown on the court, James Harden went to a nightclub later that night.

That does not show a winning mentality. Harden could stand to learn from The Last Dance about the overall value and significance of losing and winning. Losing should help build one as a stronger person mentally so it can help correct the previous woes. But still, Harden has yet to really learn that value and trait.

There is more to what Jordan did than simply become a very good basketball player with a great team and coach. It was the mentality of Jordan that led those Bulls teams to six championships in the 1990s — the same winning mentality that transferred to the late, great Kobe Bryant.

There was a reason Jordan claimed he saw himself in Kobe more than any other player. Bryant made sure to keep that winning mentality with him throughout his entire career, which helped him win five championships.

Jordan was the best shooting guard of the 1990s, Kobe was the best shooting guard of the 2000s and Harden is considered to be the best of the 2010s. The throne of the best shooting guard is now in Harden’s hands. To feel like he can be on the same pedestal as the previous greats, Harden has to change his mentality.

Next: No. 3