NBA players typically use the offseason to try to get into peak shape ahead of the upcoming season. Based on a new video, NBA fans are convinced James Harden is doing the opposite.
Harden was in attendance at Fanatics Fest in New York this week, and was seen on video meeting streamer Neon. The video quickly went viral as many fans suggested that Harden was looking a bit on the thick side.
Neon just linked up with his favorite NBA player of all time, James Harden, at Fanatics Fest. pic.twitter.com/1Z36NmQPd2
— FearBuck (@FearedBuck) July 17, 2026
Depending on the perception of Harden, he was either mocked for his weight or had fans impressed over how buff he looks.
James Harden Regular Season vs Offseason pic.twitter.com/o54n3Y6FIx
— Underdog (@Underdog) July 17, 2026
Prime James Harden is back? 😳 pic.twitter.com/wrD1lvSiw6
— NBA Memes (@NBAMemes) July 17, 2026
I don’t think people realize how difficult it is to have arms that are built like that
— Tony Pesta (@Tony_Pesta) July 18, 2026
If you think James Harden, who plays some of the heaviest minutes in the league, is somehow out of shape — then you’re just lost https://t.co/ipiARhRXtW
Harden’s weight has long been a topic of conversation, as he has been the subject of a lot of jokes about how out of shape he is perceived to be. One single angle of him backstage at a fan convention probably is not the best way to assess his actual level of fitness.
For the moment, Harden is technically without a team, though he is seen as virtually certain to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers ahead of next season, with contract negotiations simply a formality.
