James Harden Hilariously Tells Brooklyn They're Getting "An Elite Leader"

Brooklyn Nets star James Harden just took his first interview in New York, and he was asked what the Nets were getting from the trade.

"An elite player, an elite teammate, and an elite leader, and a guy that's willing to do whatever it takes to rack up as many wins as we can," Harden said.

If James Harden were a baseball player, he'd be batting .333 with that statement. Guess he's in the wrong sport.

There's no denying James Harden is an elite talent on offense, especially with the way the game is officiated. It's not fun watching him repeatedly flail his arms for foul calls, but he is effective. Being a top-15 player in the NBA, which he absolutely is, makes him elite. So, we'll give him that.

An elite teammate, though? When has any player, on the Rockets or otherwise, ever had something positive to say about Harden's impact on his career? Players since the mid-80s have raved about the impact Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James have had on their own work ethics.

Meanwhile, James Harden shows up to training camp this year looking like a model for Kim Kardashian's SKIMS line. Not a single player was ever inspired by an "elite player" who's unwilling to lead by example. I'm sorry, James, but asking other players to dive on the floor and hit open shots when you dish the rock isn't leadership.

It's hypocritical.

Harden knows he's a terrible leader, too

Harden knows this reporter asked the question because his gut is still in Thanksgiving mode. The MVP is clearly out of shape, and James can't help but laugh about it.

At least he fixed his teeth.

James Harden is now a member of the most hated team in the league. Kyrie is being forced back to a job that pays him over $500,000 a game, and now Harden calls himself an "elite teammate" without having to do anything to prove it. Nice super team, Brooklyn.