James Harden: The Step Back King

Wasn't Harden absolutely thriving during his stink with team USA I thought he was a big reason we won.

 

I'd like to see more air from Harden. Right now I think his game is predictable but he could realistically be savagely unpredictable. He's at the height of his game with the skill sets that he has, but this usually transforms into step back, step back, euro step, 3, 3 etc. Id like to see complete randomness to confuse opponents.

 

Not while he's playing 39 minutes a game

 

Harden usually takes what the D gives him and that's usually why he seems so predictable, especially last season when him starting out injured and out of shape took away a lot of his explosiveness. When he catches the D on their heels, he has to also be given a driving angle to start driving. If not, as long as they give him enough space, he can quickly shift into a step back jumper. I think with him being healthy this year, we will see a lot more driving and less shooting again, especially with bigs committed to setting the pick, unlike Dwight's halfhearted attempts where he's already thinking about rolling when he sets the pick.

 

What I like about his step back is that it's generally his counter move giving him plenty of space to operate. It's not entirely unblockable like Olajuwon's fadeaway, especially when he gets trapped or loses momentum in the lane, but it's pretty close to unstoppable.

 

It is such a fantastic weapon
Best Step back since Cutinno

Rocket River

 

Harden needs to bring this back if Spurs are harassing him at 3 or on drives

 

Our offense is allergic to mid range

 

One of the only downsides to Harden's season is how little of these he's taking.

 

Where has the step back gawd gone?

back in 14-15 he was so deadly from midrange

 

He's taking them from 3pt land, but it's more predictable.

 

That Harden drive and step back jumper at the elbow was money. It was a "go to move." I do miss it. Would add some nice variety to his game of 3's and drives. Give the defense something else to consider. They more they have to think, the better it is for Harden.

Also, Harden talks a lot about wanting to "be in a rhythm." Having some jumpers "just go down" does a lot for him mentally as the game goes on. And that extends to 3ptrs. I feel the same way about Lou Williams. If he wants to take that midrange jumper to "get a lather" then so be it.

 

Ah, yes, the James Harden step back jumper. I remember you, old friend.

 

hope the beard remembers to bring this weapon every game, including the playoffs, let's go rocs

 

BRO!!!!

That is not a midrange step back!! Completely useless and stupid contested 3!!

Arrgggghhgggggggghhhhhh

 

Yup