Yardbarker
x
Just Gets a Bad Rep’: Donovan Mitchell Defends James Harden Amid Ongoing Criticism
Apr 29, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) stands on the court before game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images David Richard-Imagn Images

Just Gets a Bad Rep’: Donovan Mitchell Defends James Harden Amid Ongoing Criticism

Originally posted on AirJordanChronicles  |  By Joy Bassy  |  Last updated May 30, 2026 10:51 AM ET
Google Add us as a preferred source on Google

Donovan Mitchell has refused to throw his backcourt partner, James Harden, under the bus after an embarrassing 4-0 sweep by the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Following the sweep, Harden’s postseason history continued to haunt him, as he shrank once again when the lights were the brightest. But Mitchell was not having all of it and recently defended Harden through his experience and overall work ethic.

“I’m appreciative of him because he helped me get somewhere that I’ve never been before. We live in a world where it’s just so much easier to knock and hate. To see it firsthand, the work ethic, the passion, the IQ, the leadership, it’s just like man just gets a bad rep.” Mitchell said via Andscape.

Mitchell also compared Harden’s struggles to those of LeBron James when he struggled to add value in the 2011 NBA Finals against the eventual champions, the Dallas Mavericks.

In addition, he mentioned Michael Jordan’s career before the iconic 1991 NBA Finals win, where it took the Bulls legend eight years and plenty of rebuilds before he could clinch a single title.

While Mitchell may be correct that even the best of the best have their lowlight moments in the playoffs, Harden last appeared in the NBA Finals in 2012, fourteen years ago, when he was still a sixth man for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Meanwhile, LeBron James went on to win two championships with the Miami Heat and then proceeded to the greatest comeback in NBA history in 2016, when the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Golden State Warriors in seven games after trailing 3-1.

And we all know the greatness Michael Jordan pulled in the 90s, winning six titles along with six Finals MVPs while going back-to-back-to-back twice.

But Harden has yet to find success in the playoffs.

James Harden has Yet to Have a Playoff Moment

While Mitchell may be correct in asserting that Harden changed the game, along with his basketball IQ, leadership, and work ethic, the results of those efforts have not been demonstrated in the playoffs.

If we take an example of the most recent Game 7 Harden participated in against the Detroit Pistons, Harden shot 2-10, including 0-6 from 3-point distance, and finished with only 9 points and 6 assists. The Cavs managed to win in spite of him.

The reason why fans criticize Harden’s career is not that he is a bad player, but because there are no major wins to discuss in 17 seasons played in the NBA.

Neither has Harden ever been able to carry a team on his back like James and Jordan have done countless times in their career.

The Cavaliers reaching the Eastern Conference Finals is a significant achievement, but Mitchell and Harden need to make sure next season that their performances do not drop.

This article first appeared on AirJordanChronicles and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA.