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“God I hope James Harden makes it to the NBA”: Nets star’s mom prayed he would enter the league after he told her he was going to be a star

Samir Mehdi
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“God I hope James Harden makes it to the NBA”: Nets star’s mom prayed he would enter the league after he told her he was going to be a star

James Harden told his mom that he was going to be a star one day when he was a kid, well before making it to the NBA. 

In the 12+ years that James Harden has been in the NBA, he’s racked up quite the resume for himself. Everything from All-NBA teams, to scoring titles, and a league MVP, Harden was done it all except for claim the oh-so elusive Larry O’Brien trophy. Regardless of the fact that he hasn’t won a title yet, his accomplishments cannot be diminished and rightfully so. 

James Harden’s ability to take over when need by through his multi-faceted game has allowed him to become one of the league’s most renowned superstars; fulfilling a promise he made to his mother when he was merely a freshman in high school.

Also read: Kyrie Irving reveals Kevin Durant and his Nets’ mentality ahead of win over Nikola Jokic and co: “We were embarrassed the last few games”

Monja Willis, Harden’s mom, knew her son was made for the big leagues as she pushed him to strive for better each and every day, making sure he got his reps in on the basketball hardwood. Fast-forward to today and the work put in by them both has paid off. 

James Harden’s mom hoped her son would get into the NBA. 

In a fascinating story revolving around the mother-son duo, James Harden wrote a note to his mother before heading off to practice early morning as freshman in high school; the note reading, “Keep this paper, I’m going to be a star.” 

Willis would go on to explain that he prayed her son would make it to the NBA as according to her, there was no backup plan for James Harden if the basketball thing didn’t work out.

Also read: “Give Russell Westbrook the love and respect he deserves”: Lakers legend Magic Johnson demands Wizards star be more respected after he notched his 181st triple double, equaling Oscar Robertson

The heartwarming bond between Willis and Harden goes well beyond being one that is strictly mother and son as the former has represented her son on several occasions when it came to dealings within the NBA business. Who better to be at your side every step of the way and navigate through an organization as complex as the NBA, than the real MVP? 

About the author

Samir Mehdi

Samir Mehdi

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Samir Mehdi is a senior strategist for the NBA division at The Sportsrush. Ever since he was 13 years old, he’s been obsessed with the game of basketball. From watching Kobe Bryant’s highlights on YouTube to now, analyzing and breaking down every single game on League Pass, Samir’s passion for the game is unwavering. He's a complete basketball junkie who not only breaks down current games but also keenly watches ones from the 60s’ and 70s’ while also reading comprehensive books on the history of the league. Samir’s life revolves around basketball and he hopes that shows in his work. Aside from work, he loves to spend time in the gym and with his friends at social gatherings.

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