In a new interview, Houston Rockets guard James Harden explained his decision to gift $10,000 earlier this month to a Bahamas family that was fishing for food.
The moment was captured by Adidas sports marketing manager Troy Payne and quickly went viral. In Harden’s chat this week with Houston music station 93.7 The Beat, the 29-year-old superstar went into what he saw that day and why he felt compelled to act.
“We were just cruising around the city, just trying to see all the locals to try and catch their vibe and see how they live,” Harden said. “The hood is just not doing well.”
We were by the beach, and I saw eight kids, a mom and dad, and a couple other people around. And they were just, like, fishing. They had like a little rope, and they were just trying to find food and get whatever they could for dinner, or to eat. Basically, to survive. It hit me like ‘Alright, you’ve got to do something.’
It’s a blessing. Whenever I come across an opportunity to help somebody, to lift somebody’s spirit, I’m willing to do it. I’ll go all out for it.
Harden, who won the NBA’s 2018 MVP award and finished second in 2019 voting after averaging 36.1 points, 7.5 assists, and 6.6 rebounds per game, was in The Bahamas for training. Earlier that same week, he worked out with fellow Rockets guard Eric Gordon.
Harden’s interview came as part of a promotional tour this week for his JH-Town Weekend, which consists of a celebrity softball game, charity concerts, community events around Houston, and more.
“That’s the reason why we have this weekend,” Harden told 93.7 The Beat, referring to his willingness to help others in the community. “That’s the reason why I try to have all these events and give back. Because while I’m here, I want to try and make the most of it.”
