Rockets’ Matt Bullard details benefit of slim James Harden

Rockets Matt Bullard sees new frame as a positive

But Rockets analyst Matt Bullard disagrees with Sharpe, as Bullard believes Harden’s physical changes will be overall a positive. Bullard was on SportsTalk 790’s Power Hour segment of The A-Team and had the below to say.

“It definitely helps. From my experience as a player, and just watching other players who played 12, 13, 15, 16 years, you definitely have to slim down towards the end of your career.

Because the more weight you carry up and down the floor, the more stress and strain that puts on your joints. So the fact that James Harden is coming back slimmer, it’s going to be good for his longevity.”

Bullard makes a valid point in citing Harden’s age and experience, as he’s certainly not getting younger, although we haven’t seen signs of his game slowing down just yet. Harden turns 31 in August and is currently playing in his 11th season, so a slimmer frame will certainly benefit his body for the long haul.

Bullard pointed out the belief that exists in league circles, which is that Harden wears down by the postseason, although Bullard didn’t say that he agrees with that notion.

“The biggest complaint about James Harden is that he runs out of gas in the playoffs. Whether that’s true or not, we don’t know. But I think the fact that he’s had several months off to get healthy, to rest up, to slim down, to re-make his body into a slimmer version of himself.

You’re not going to see him wear down in the playoffs. That’s not going to be a valid argument or concern. He’s going to be fresh, ready, explosive, and quicker. Everything that comes with slimming down and losing weight is a positive for NBA players.”

Next: Will Harden lose his strength?