It would have been great for Manu to experience the kind of good will Harden is receiving when he was younger and putting up similar numbers to what The Beard is today; to be called a future super star instead of being known as just a great bench player, or that Euro-guy who flops a lot. But like all who blaze trails, Manu struggled, so that future generations to reap the rewards.
That's why I'll always enjoy it when guys like James Harden receive the recognition and accolades they've earned, even if Manu also deserved them for so long before he got them. I'll simply remind myself that he was the one who made it possible.