James Harden’s impact on basketball continues to stretch far beyond NBA arenas and nowhere is that more evident than in China. During his recent Uno tour with Adidas, the Los Angeles Clippers star was met with an outpouring of fan support, culminating in a stunning tribute a full-sized outdoor basketball court featuring a massive mural of Harden himself.
Harden, visibly surprised and moved by the gesture, took time to engage with fans and soak in the moment, highlighting just how deep his connection with Chinese basketball culture has grown. “This is unbelievable,” Harden remarked while standing on the mural. “To see this kind of love overseas it means everything.”
James Harden previous visit to China
Harden did a China tour back in 2023, and it produced one of the most memorable off-court videos of his NBA career. Speaking to an audience, Harden expressed his distaste for Philadelphia 76ers general manager Daryl Morey, repeating that he's a liar and he wants no part of any organization that Morey is a part of. The video of that episode went viral.
James Harden craze in China
The reception Harden received was on another level. Massive crowds followed him from malls to media events, with fans eager to get a glimpse of the superstar.
James Harden's performance with the Clippers
The timing of the tribute couldn’t be more fitting. After a shaky debut season with the Clippers, Harden bounced back in 2024-25 with one of his most efficient campaigns in recent memory. Averaging 22.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game, Harden helped steady the Clippers’ ship in Kawhi Leonard’s absence and played a key role in their playoff push. Harden’s decision to take a pay cut this offseason gave the Clippers the flexibility to bolster their roster, and now, expectations are higher than ever for LA Clippers.
