became the Pistons' starting center four games into his NBA career and stayed in that position for the rest of the season. He averaged 11 points per game and played so well that Boston Celtics head coach Red Auerbach remarked about Harding before the 1964 NBA draft: "Say what they want to about all the fine, big fellows coming out of college in 1964, but the Pistons already have a guy who probably will outshine them all." Harding had high expectations entering the 1964–65 NBA season and he was considered to potentially "be a match for the NBA's top pivotmen". During his stint with the Pistons, Harding was notorious for his casual attitude and misbehavior. He slept through practice sessions and missed a flight for a game against the Baltimore Bullets. In August 1965, Harding was charged with assault and battery against a Detroit policeman while contesting a parking ticket. Harding was suspended indefinitely by the NBA for "conduct detrimental to professional basketball" in September 1965. He was found guilty of the assault and battery charge in October 1965 and fined $2,000 by the Pistons, which was the highest fine in professional basketball history at the time. Harding ultimately missed the entirety of the 1965–66 NBA season. Harding's suspension was lifted by the NBA in September 1966, who were aware that Harding threatened to sue if he was not allowed to return. Harding signed a one-year contract with the Pistons that totalled $15,000, where his return was heralded as being that of the "world's tallest reformed delinquent". Pistons player-coach Dave DeBusschere was elated to have Harding return and considered him "at least the fifth best center" in professional basketball when he last played – after Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, Walt Bellamy and Nate Thurmond. Harding was traded to the Chicago Bulls on October 2, 1967, for a third round pick in the 1968 NBA draft. He was waived by the Bulls in December 1967 after he was suspended for overstaying a leave granted to him to attend his adoptive mother's funeral. In January 1968, Harding signed with the Indiana Pacers of the American Basketball Association (ABA). He was regarded for his physical play and was once chased off the court during a game by Denver Nuggets player Byron Beck after he elbowed Beck in the mouth. Teammate Roger Brown said of Harding: "He was a clown but he had talent.