James Harden Walking Out of Store With New Ball Deemed to Actually be Legal Dribble

Controversial footage of James Harden casually walking out a Dick’s Sporting Goods holding a new basketball has caused quite a stir among basketball fans.  In the clip, Harden looks to clearly take 41 steps on his way to his vehicle.  But, upon closer look, experts say the Rocket’s star may have actually pulled off a legal dribble.

“Ok, here’s the footage that everyone’s arguing about.  What do you think?” Coach Nick of BBall Breakdown asked former NBA referee, Ronnie Nunn. 

“Well, I can see why a dumb, casual fan might say this is a travel, but look at where Harden gathers the ball near the store’s exit doors.  He doesn’t really have control there because he’s sort of fumbling with his receipt,” Nunn explained.  “And next you see him maneuver his way to the vehicle with a series of euro-crab-hesitation steps.  Perfectly legal.”

Coach Nick then interjected, “But what do you say to the sports fans who point out that, at no point, does James put the ball on the ground?”

“Oh, easy,” Nunn began.  “I would say anyone who would argue that hasn’t been through the exhaustive training that NBA referees have.”

“Ok!  Case closed, sports fans!”  Coach Nick agreed.  “And this is why we bring on the experts—for this type of clarity!  Now, I would encourage all you youngsters to go out there and practice your euro-crab-hezzie steps!”