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Paul Pierce Dubs Former 76ers Guard ‘First Foul Merchant’

Paul Pierce believes James Harden had a major impact on modern basektball.
Eric Jay Santos|
Nov 24, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden (1) warms up before the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Nov 24, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden (1) warms up before the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images | Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

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Had it not been for Stephen Curry, James Harden might be considered the best guard of his generation. Behind Curry, Harden ranks second in most three-point field goals made in NBA history. Curry’s Golden State Warriors have also eliminated Harden’s Houston Rockets in several playoff series. 

Individually, Harden is a one-time NBA MVP, eight-time All-NBA Team selection, and an 11-time All-Star. He’s also a three-time scoring champion and two-time assists leader. The only feat missing from his resume is an NBA championship.  

In a recent episode of Podcast P with Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George, Paul Pierce recognized Harden as an underrated figure in modern basketball.

“I don’t think James gets enough credit for changing the game,” Pierce said. “They say Steph, but like James too. A lot of kids is doing his [expletive], and people don’t talk about that.”

James Harden
May 3, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; LA Clippers guard James Harden (1) prepares to pass the ball in the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets during game seven of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Pierce claimed that the NBA has changed rules due to Harden’s innovative ways of drawing fouls. 

“You know, they changed a lot of rules because of him. He was the first, what I guess they call, foul merchant. They had to say ‘Alright. We can’t give him that call no more. He’s too dominant with this. He outsmarting the refs’. Every year, they come back with a new rule. Like ‘Okay, we’re not gonna allow this now’. They was doing that every year with James.” 

At 35 years old, Harden is still an active competitor in the NBA. The future Hall of Famer is expected to sign a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, who finished as the fifth seed in the Western Conference last season. 

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Eric Jay Santos
ERIC JAY SANTOS

Eric Santos is a contributing writer for Philadelphia 76ers on SI. In 2020, Eric first covered the Houston Rockets for SB Nation, where he created statistical analysis, original opinions, and historical breakdowns in his coverage for the team. In addition to his role as a contributing writer, Eric also served as a social media manager for The Dream Shake. In 2023, Eric was a contributing writer for Boston Celtics on SI, covering the team’s NBA Championship run.

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