The Cleveland Cavaliers want to see their in-season trade for James Harden pay off in a big way during the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
Lately, Harden’s struggles have led to him getting crushed by the critics. After back-to-back bad games to open up the second-round series against the Detroit Pistons, there isn’t a positive spin for Harden’s struggles.
However, Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green cuts the former MVP some slack.
Draymond Green Analyzes James Harden’s Struggles
GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – APRIL 29: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives around Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors during the first half of Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena on April 29, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
The Warriors forward believes that the matchup has a lot to do with it.
He rattled off each key player on the Pistons who has to guard Harden at times. Dropping names and the sizes of Duncan Robinson, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, and Jalen Duren, Green believes that a “big a** lineup” contributes to Harden’s struggles.
GettySAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 10: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors complains about a call during the second half of their game against the Chicago Bulls at Chase Center on March 10, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
“All those guys are much, much, much younger than him,” Green said. “And all of them are probably taller. All except Duncan at this point are more athletic. … A part of the struggles are, man, them guys are young and athletic as hell. They’re presenting a problem for him, but to tie it to everything and try to discredit who he is as a player and the resume he’s built? Come on, man. Some series are much tougher than others. I think you can see in this series, it’s just been tough for him.”
The Cavaliers Need James Harden To Rise Above It
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – FEBRUARY 9: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second quarter of the game at Ball Arena on February 9, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Swann/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)
The size and athleticism is surely playing a part. A potential minor injury might be as well. However, the Cavaliers need Harden to rise above it all and help the Cavaliers force a fifth game into the series.
Trailing 0-2 heading into Saturday’s Game 3, the Cavaliers are in dangerous territory. Harden has seen it all through 17 seasons of experience, so he knows what he needs to do. Soon, we’ll see if Harden and the Cavs can execute.
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