Harden emphasizes mentorship's importance for NBA player development

James Harden recently discussed the lack of veteran players in the NBA, noting that young players often miss out on learning professionalism and work ethic. He expressed concern about the shift in team dynamics since he entered the league. Austin Rivers, Harden's former teammate, supported his comments on a podcast. Rivers highlighted that despite criticisms of Harden's lifestyle, he consistently performed well and worked hard during their time together on the Houston Rockets. Harden's remarks reflect a broader concern about the impact of fewer veteran players on young athletes' development in the league. He emphasized the importance of mentorship for long-term success in basketball.