Fans touched by James Harden's gesture helping Michigan shooting victim in viral video: "Some of the best medicine that young man could've gotten"

Philadelphia 76ers point guard James Harden showed incredible compassion to a struggling fan after finding out his story. Harden showered the victim of a school shooting with gifts, even donating a for his surgery.

The victim, John Hao, has been an avid fan of The Beard. Hao was paralyzed after being shot at Michigan State. He remains in the hospital while he recovers.

After reading about his situation on his GoFundMe page, the Sixers star reached out to his fan. Harden donated to his GoFundMe page to help with the medical costs and gave Hao game-worn sneakers. Ultimately, the 10-time All-Star had a chance to call his fan and wish him the best.

NBACentral

@TheNBACentral

Respect to James Harden 🏽

(via @malika_andrews)

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2031

Respect to James Harden 🙏🏽❤️

(via @malika_andrews) https://t.co/mYYgh3Ck1r

After this, fans went online to give Harden respect for his gesture. We've gathered some of the most wholesome reactions, and here they are.

James

@Blickey33

@TheNBACentral @malika_andrews Some of the best medicine that young man could have gotten. Thanks for sharing.

@TheNBACentral @malika_andrews Some of the best medicine that young man could have gotten. Thanks for sharing.

Chan 🐸

@ChanIsHim

@TheNBACentral @malika_andrews THATS WHY HES THE GOAT

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7

@TheNBACentral @malika_andrews THATS WHY HES THE GOAT https://t.co/jZ7ZhWznlL

Sebastian

@Sebastian_FL123

@TheNBACentral @malika_andrews Harden is a good guy. Massive respect

83

@TheNBACentral @malika_andrews Harden is a good guy. Massive respect

َJ🏜️ ③⑤

@PrimeJynx_

@TheNBACentral @malika_andrews Inspirational Beard Man

22

@TheNBACentral @malika_andrews Inspirational Beard Man

Jacob Andelman

@JacobAndelman

@TheNBACentral @malika_andrews Never liked Harden but this is awesome stuff

5

@TheNBACentral @malika_andrews Never liked Harden but this is awesome stuff

Sportsminds2020

@sportsminds2020

@TheNBACentral @malika_andrews Shout out to Harden. This was great 🏽🏽

@TheNBACentral @malika_andrews Shout out to Harden. This was great 👏🏽🙏🏽

steven

@steven_ramon_

@TheNBACentral @malika_andrews Great guy harden

1

@TheNBACentral @malika_andrews Great guy harden

Kidda ☦️

@kiddakeyz

@TheNBACentral @malika_andrews Big W for Harden

3

@TheNBACentral @malika_andrews Big W for Harden

Max “Montana 41” Croes

@CroesFire

@TheNBACentral @malika_andrews I’m 2013 Harden visited the hyper rural and basketball loving high school in Bethel, Alaska. Places like that never get visits from athletes or celebrities. Mad respect.

1

@TheNBACentral @malika_andrews I’m 2013 Harden visited the hyper rural and basketball loving high school in Bethel, Alaska. Places like that never get visits from athletes or celebrities. Mad respect. https://t.co/IMUPGTAN9M

David Michaels

@Dmike15

@TheNBACentral @malika_andrews Respect to James for that for sure. And Malika for highlighting him 🏽

2

@TheNBACentral @malika_andrews Respect to James for that for sure. And Malika for highlighting him 🙏🏽

Anthony

@Delevatony3

@TheNBACentral @malika_andrews @JHarden13 🫡 respect! Such a terrible thing to happen to someone.

1

@TheNBACentral @malika_andrews @JHarden13 🫡 respect! Such a terrible thing to happen to someone.

Lejon Brames

@itsLejonBrames7

@TheNBACentral @malika_andrews We need more of this. 🏽 nice job James Harden.

@TheNBACentral @malika_andrews We need more of this. 👏🏽 nice job James Harden.

basketball

@ShyamPa38273785

@TheNBACentral @malika_andrews Respect to James even though I hate you as a basketball player but it’s bigger than basketball!!Great person!

@TheNBACentral @malika_andrews Respect to James even though I hate you as a basketball player but it’s bigger than basketball!!Great person!

H

@HeithemAzzain

@TheNBACentral @malika_andrews Fuck man who’s cutting onions

@TheNBACentral @malika_andrews Fuck man who’s cutting onions

As Hao and Harden ended their call, the NBA superstar said he is hopeful that his fan will get a chance to see him play live. The Beard wanted to brighten his fan's day, and it looked like he did just that.

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If the rumors are true, would it be a good decision for James Harden to return to the Houston Rockets?

Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden

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Every NBA star has a desire to win the Larry O'Brien Trophy to leave a winning legacy. This is why James Harden left the Houston Rockets in the first place in January 2021. His decision to leave the team that made him a franchise star was, to him, difficult but necessary. Now that rumors have emerged that he could return to Houston, is it logical for him to do so?

Adrian Wojnarowski

@wojespn

ESPN Sources: All-Star guard James Harden is seriously considering a return to the Houston Rockets in free agency this July -- if he decides against a new deal with the Philadelphia 76ers: es.pn/3WqsJ1S

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ESPN Sources: All-Star guard James Harden is seriously considering a return to the Houston Rockets in free agency this July -- if he decides against a new deal with the Philadelphia 76ers: es.pn/3WqsJ1S

He is in the perfect situation with the Sixers and Joel Embiid right now. He finally has a consistent All-NBA co-star who is in his prime. He's never had that kind of help since he was with the OKC Thunder from 2009-12, when Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook were young and hungry stars.

With Harden, the Sixers have become solid contenders in the Eastern Conference. Simply put, it's probably his best shot at winning the title after leaving the Rockets.

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It wouldn't make sense for him to return to the Rockets as his chances of winning the championship would decrease. For the team, it wouldn't be beneficial as the development of their young core would slow down.

Harden has a player option in the second year of the deal he signed in the offseason and could be a free agent if he chooses to opt out of his contract this coming offseason.

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