Sunday marked James Harden’s second NBA All Star Game appearance. With solid numbers of 23.9 ppg 5.3 apg and 4.7 rpg for the Houston Rockets this season, the 6-5 shooting guard replaced injured Lakers guard Kobe Bryant in the Western Conference’s starting lineup during Sunday’s All-Star Game in New Orleans. “It’s a great honor just to be apart of the All Star Weekend,” Harden told The Source.
“It was my second one alongside Dwight. A great weekend and we did it for the fans.”
After being traded to Houston last season, Harden’s gotten adjusted to the city, his role on the team and being partnered with fellow NBA All-Star Dwight Howard.
Harden caught up with Source Sports at an autograph signing session at New Era hat’s flagship store in downtown New Orleans over the weekend. New Era was very active during NBA All Star Weekend. The hat brand threw nightly parties at Voodoo Lounge during All Star weekend that featured live music, free open bar, a barbershop, video games and a gifting station with some of the hat company’s most exclusive new products.
While at the flagship store Harden discussed music, food, his former teammate Kevin Durant and his choice in music before games:
The Source: Which was better: The first All Star appearance or the second?
James Harden: The first one is always memorable. It was my first time and it was in Houston, so I was a little bit more excited. Now I’m just over here hanging out in New Orleans—good people, good food.
The Source: And you played with your boy Kevin Durant again.
James Harden: Yeah. It’s always fun and coached by Scottie Brooks. A lot of memories and it’s been a great weekend.
The Source: What’s it like to play alongside Dwight Howard in the NBA All Star Game? How excited were you to suit up and show your talents with him? The Rockets have kind of been low key this year.
James Harden: This was Dwight’s tenth or eleventh All Star Game. It was only my second, so it feels good to be alongside him and teammates in the All Star Game and that’s good. We really don’t like for people to talk about us and we’re looking forward to the second half.
The Source: Have you been able to really check out the New Orleans food while you were here?
James Harden: No. But I’m always eating when I’m in New Orleans on the road. I’m always eating gumbo and seafood so it’s definitely like home.
The Source: This is the Source and music is the core so I’ve got to ask you: What music do you bump in your ear to get you hyped during pregame?
James Harden: I’ve got a lot of everything. There’s Drake, Meek Mill, Rick Ross, A little bit of Beyonce. I’ve got a lot of flavor and my play list is on shuffle.
