I'd say that if a max player at his level doesn't think of themselves as the best player, there's a problem.
Fake it 'til you make it...I believe is the phrase of choice. It makes sense. I have no problem with Harden saying he is the best--at the same time he acknowledges that until he starts putting up some MVP's and Championships it's only words. I know this tradition goes as far back as Muhammed Ali, and might even stretch back beyond Jessie Owens (who should have said it, but for obvious reasons restrained himself) to Babe Ruth--at least as far as modern competition goes. Did gladiators not practice the same ideal in Rome?
Every professional athlete these days knows another phrase: "to be the best, you've got to beat the best". I have no doubt James Harden, and the rest of the team, are more aware of their dismal showing against the likes of the Clips and Thunder than any of us. Everyone lauded Lin for how humble he is (although he recently spoke out and corrected his fans stating that his biggest sin is pride--which they turned around to emphasize how humble he is to recognize his own faults 
) and Harden gets slammed for his ego. Yet, would we want it any other way? Irrational Confidence Guy (thanks for the term, Bill Simmons) is always a fan favorite--except Harden for some reason. I can say this: at the end of a game I want the ball in the hands of the guy who believes, to his very core, that he is the best and can do what needs to be done.
@Marbony81110
I appreciate your bravery in delving into the pits of ESPN comment sections.
One of my favorites is when a poster will cite a figure (that is completely made up) and then, over a very short period of time, that figure becomes a fact because no one actually looks up their own information. There was a guy who said (basically), "It's easy to put up points when you take 50 shots a night". Someone is going to throw that in our faces sooner than later as if it is indisputable fact. Which takes us back to the flow chart....
@RBF
Thanks for the kind words--always appreciated. I love this place too. I agree with you about how awful it would be to be in the same shoes as these athletes with the media waiting for any verbal misstep to take to the masses and call you a witch--it has nearly reached a level of McCarthyism where your reputation, career, and possibly more can be destroyed simply through finger pointing. If it were me, I would memorize one phrase and repeat it for every, single question....
Reporter: "Who is the best player in the NBA?"
Me: "Thanks for the question. First, I love my team. I love my job and I love the city and people I play for. I'm going to continue working as hard as I can to make us the best we can be. Speaking of that, I've got to get back to work. Have a nice day."
Reporter: "But you didn't answer the question?!?!"
Me: "Sorry, got work to do ....(as I'm walking away)"
You can't get away with that Popovich/Belichek stuff until after you win some championships 
I recognize it's not this easy because the league has media requirements that are built into the deal. The fact that people have to be questioned during the emotion and heat of a game makes it that much harder (something I despise). I can say without hesitation that if I were interviewed immediately after a tough loss when I was in my early 20's they would have had to cut off the microphone. People who are highly competitive tend to not take losing very well--those that do are a rare breed--particularly when they are young.
Harden will learn to speak "media-nese" eventually. It's too bad that he has to. I love hearing athletes speak with candor, but usually they can only do that once their career is over.
: 
) have predicted that only the Lakers are more likely to descend into turmoil this season.
