James Harden has fully encompassed the meaning of “The City of Brotherly Love,” reaching out to a fan of his who was wounded in the mass shooting at Michigan State University earlier this month.
The Feb. 13 shooting on the university’s campus, killed three students and critically injured five others. It was was one of 71 mass shootings across the United States in just six weeks, according to USA Today.
One of the students wounded in the shooting was John Hao, a 20-year-old from China and a big fan of Harden. Hao is paralyzed from the chest down after taking a bullet in the back from the alleged shooter, who died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound after opening fire.
Advertisement
On Thursday, “NBA Today” host Malika Andrews reported that Harden reached out to Hao after hearing his story. The Sixers guard sent Hao gifts and donated to his GoFundMe to aid with medical bills that are up to at least $350,000. Harden also face-timed Hao to lend some words of encouragement.
“Everything will work itself out, be strong,” Harden said. “You’re alright. You’ll be alright. I promise you are.”
Advertisement
“I love when you’re smiling. I love when you’re smiling, all right? I’m with you. I know it’s tough right now, but you have to stay physically strong, you know what I mean? You just got to think positive things and keep pushing and fighting,” he continued. “I got you. I got some guys for you, too. I got some things coming your way, hopefully give you some encouragement and make you smile a little bit, you know what I mean? Let me know if you need anything else.”
Harden told “NBA Today” he wanted to brighten Hao’s day, “even if it was just for one minute.” He sent several pairs of sneakers to Hao, including one pair that was game-worn. The two also exchanged phone numbers and plan to talk again soon.
Harden reportedly hopes to have Hao attend one of his games in the future.
Following the NBA All-Star break, Philadelphia has a tough schedule ahead but got off to a good start with a 110-105 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday night, with Harden scoring a team-high 31 points to go with seven assists and seven rebounds.
The Sixers take on Boston next on Saturday night.