Rumors: James Harden is being courted by Real Madrid and Barcelona
Recently asked about the possibility of playing someday in Europe, more precisely in Spain, the 37-year-old superstar said he would love to.
James Harden has arrived in Málaga to begin the preseason with the Cleveland Cavaliers and has quickly praised his experience in Spain. The NBA star stated that the country is "one of the most beautiful places in the world" and acknowledged that he would "love" to play basketball in Spain or Europe someday, although right now he is clear about what his main objective is: to fight for the NBA championship.
"The people are very friendly, the food is really good, and the weather is incredible. I think the experience for our entire organization is very positive. I believe that just getting out of the house and having a good training session is beneficial," he explained this Wednesday to reporters in Fuengirola, where the Ohio state team has begun its preparation.
Harden imagines playing in Spain someday
'The Beard', eleven-time NBA All-Star, MVP of the competition in 2018, and three-time leading scorer of the North American league, was one of the main stars of the Cavaliers' first training session in Spain. Harden shares a team with players like former Madrid player Mario Hezonja and fellow All-Star Donovan Mitchell.
The 37-year-old point guard, born in Los Angeles, replied with a "I would love to" when asked about the possibility of playing in Europe or Spain someday.
Harden also explained that he is already familiar with some of the major Spanish cities. "Fortunately, I've been here, in Barcelona and Madrid; those places are also incredible, and every time I come the experience is just as it should be, I love it," he stated.
The Cavaliers player also revealed who his favorite Spanish player is. "Probably Pau Gasol," he responded.
Asked if he knew about espeto, one of Málaga's typical dishes made with grilled sardines, he admitted that he didn't know what it was, but added that "you learn something new every day."
Harden's goal: to win the championship
Beyond his experience in Spain, Harden is focused on the upcoming season and the possibility of winning his first NBA ring. The player assured that he feels he has a chance to achieve it and acknowledged that he approaches the season with that mindset "every year."
"I am sure that everyone else in the league feels the same. There are many steps to take, but we are here to win the championship," he emphasized.
Mitchell also feels at home
Donovan Mitchell, another of the franchise players for Cleveland and one of the stars of the NBA, also expressed his positive feelings during the team's return to Málaga, a city he has visited several times.
"We feel at home. Everyone has welcomed us with open arms, and that feels very special. The facilities are amazing," he noted.
The Cavaliers' coach, Kenny Atkinson, also positively assessed the decision to hold preseason in Spain. For the coach, the experience provides "a competitive advantage" because it forces the team to "adapt to a new environment, to a different culture," although he acknowledged that he "loves" having the training in Spain.
"Basketball will come on its own, but we want to connect as a group and get to know each other better," Atkinson stated.
A delegation of 160 people
The American franchise has sent 160 people to Málaga, among them 21 players. The team is training these days at the facilities of 'The Embassy', the elite basketball courts managed by world champions with Spain Berni Rodríguez and José Manuel Calderón, the latter recently promoted to assistant general manager of the Cavaliers.
The Cleveland team's stay on the Costa del Sol will conclude on Sunday with an open training session for the public at the José María Martín Carpena Sports Palace in Málaga, starting at noon.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Rumores: James Harden se deja querer por Real Madrid y Barcelona
