Kenny Atkinson compares Cavs guard James Harden to LeBron James

TL;DR

Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson compares James Harden's passing skills to LeBron James, highlighting their unique abilities. Harden's impact has been significant since joining the team, contributing to their offensive success.

Key points

Kenny Atkinson compares James Harden's passing to LeBron James.
Harden has significantly improved the Cavaliers' offense since February.
He recorded 10 assists in Game 1 against the Raptors.
Max Strus praised Harden's ability to help teammates succeed.
Atkinson noted Harden's exceptional feel for the game.

James HardenLeBron JamesCleveland CavaliersLos Angeles Lakers

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 31: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers and James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers talk before the game on March 31, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images CLEVELAND — Telling someone back in 2015 that a Cleveland Cavaliers head coach would compare his point guard, James Harden, to Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James would probably break their brain. We live in a weird world. The Cavs have been rolling offensively since adding Harden in February. The speed at which he processes the game, combined with his skill, has done that. This is most seen with his passing, which is on a level that Atkinson could only compare to one other superstar in the league. “There might be another player like him, but him and LeBron are the only guys that I’ve seen in that category where the accuracy and the speed of the pass is just a whole other level,” head coach Kenny Atkinson said before Game 2 against the . “I think that speaks to their skill level, IQ, but also the strength part. You got to be really strong to throw some of the passes they throw through traffic.”

Q&A

What did Kenny Atkinson say about James Harden's passing skills?

Kenny Atkinson compared James Harden's passing skills to LeBron James, noting their exceptional accuracy and speed.

How has James Harden impacted the Cleveland Cavaliers since joining?

Since joining the Cavaliers, James Harden has significantly improved the team's offensive performance, particularly through his passing.

What specific game performance did Harden have that impressed Atkinson?

In Game 1, James Harden recorded 10 assists, showcasing his passing ability, including assists that led to Max Strus' three-pointers.

Why is James Harden considered one of the best players in the world?

James Harden is regarded as one of the best players due to his exceptional skills, including his passing, ability to read defenses, and overall impact on the game.