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NBA star James Harden’s ‘wild’ outfit becomes instant meme

NBA players are renowned for their outlandish clothing choices but one star’s outfit was so unusual it took the internet by storm.

James Harden's outfit became an instant meme.
James Harden's outfit became an instant meme.

NBA players are known for their extravagant outfit choices but James Harden’s most recent look has to be one of the more bizarre in recent memory.

After being traded from the Brooklyn Nets to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Ben Simmons, the 32-year-old was sitting courtside with his new Sixers teammates for their game against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday.

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Harden didn’t play but was on hand to cheer on his new team and was even granted the honour of ringing Philadelphia’s bell, which is a custom before a home game.

But all anyone was talking about was what he was wearing. Over a plain shirt, Harden was sporting a long red coat that had some type of shoulder pads, along with mustard-coloured sleeves. He completed the look with some blue pants emblazoned with several patterned patches.

Fans were stunned by Harden’s bold choice of clothing and had an absolute field day turning the former NBA MVP into an instant meme.

Many wondered if he was auditioning to be the Joker in the latest Batman film or a villain in a sci-fi movie.

One fan even thought he had popped straight out of the iconic Disney movie Aladdin.

Sports anchor Dave Holmes tweeted: “Is James Harden auditioning for the role of Gaston in an off Broadway version of Beauty and the Beast?”

Journalist Jay Scott Smith said: “James Harden looking like he framed Roger Rabbit”.

The experts on NBA TNT’s broadcast of the game also had some fun analysing Harden’s outfit at his expense.

“Here is a look at James Harden tonight,” one commentator said.

“That is a fellow bad guy in the upcoming Batman.

“It looks like the tailor said, ‘I’ll finish it tomorrow’.”

James Harden rings the bell ahead of the game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
James Harden rings the bell ahead of the game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

NBA legend Dwayne Wade added: “That’s a pea coat and a suit connected. That’s a p-suit!”

Unfortunately for Harden, he didn’t have much to cheer about in his unique outfit as he watched the Sixers get demolished by a mammoth 48 points.

Boston’s star duo Jaylen brown and Jason Tatum had 29 and 28 points, respectively, as the Celtics ran away with a 135-137 victory.

Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid was kept to 19 points as the Celtics recorded their ninth straight win to consolidate sixth spot in the congested Eastern Conference Standings.

Earlier, Harden said he was relishing the prospect of getting down to work with his Philadelphia Sixers teammates, revealing that the franchise had been his preferred destination all along.

Not even James Harden’s outfit could save Philly against Boston. Photo: Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images/AFP
Not even James Harden’s outfit could save Philly against Boston. Photo: Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images/AFP

Speaking at a press conference, Harden said he had always wanted to join the Sixers, who believe the 10-time All-Star can turn them into championship contenders.

“Originally when I was going through everything I was going through in Houston, Philly was my first choice,” Harden said.

“I just knew for a very long time that this was a perfect fit.”

Harden said playing alongside Embiid in a team coached by Doc Rivers had been key attractions.

“They’ve got the best big man in the league in Joel, they’ve got the coaching, from top to bottom it just made sense,” Harden said.

“I’m just happy to be here. And as Doc and everybody knows, the goal is to win and be the last team standing.”

With AFP

Originally published as NBA star James Harden’s ‘wild’ outfit becomes instant meme

Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/sport/american-sports/nba/nba-star-james-hardens-wild-outfit-becomes-instant-meme/news-story/e6ea71044ca39bdb6adaaab89236639f