James Harden Says He Doesn't 'Get Enough Credit' for Work Ethic, Longevity in NBA

James Harden has had a tremendous 16-year NBA career, collecting plenty of accolades along the way, but the Los Angeles Clippers star believes he hasn't been paid his dues over the years.

When asked how he's been able to stay productive as he ages, he said he puts in more work than people seem to notice.

"Work. I don't feel like I get enough credit for the work that I put in," he said. "You know, people want to talk about everything else that they honestly do not know about. But in all honesty, the work is being put in. And if the work isn't being put in, then these opportunities wouldn't be happening for me."

Harden has faced his fair share of criticism for his work ethic at certain points in his career, but he wouldn't be an MVP, 11-time All-Star and six-time All-NBA First Team member without putting in a decent amount of work.

Harden is putting in plenty of work this season as one of the Clippers first options. He's putting up 22.6 points, 8.7 assists and 5.8 rebounds per game, leading the team in scoring.

Even with Paul George's departure over the offseason and Kawhi Leonard's missed time, Harden has managed to keep Los Angeles afloat in the playoff race. The Clippers are currently sixth in the Western Conference standings at 41-31.