IMO we saw significant improvement last season . But this year , without CP3 to take an offensive load , James has AGAIN upped his defensive play (obviously in addition to his offensive explosion) He's great in the post but that's nothing new To me what's new is that he is a lot better at using his quick hands to get steals , strips , and knock the ball out of bounds if he gets beaten . He's really turning into a very good defender and I can't wait to see what his D looks like (yes I know) when CP3 can free up some energy for him . Discuss
You have said it all eloquently. He is taking defense more seriously than ever. I think his very solid defensive performance against GS in last year's playoffs has given more confidence. Not only did he grab 15 rebounds but he also got 5 steals against the Knicks, as an example. I think this will continue from Harden if the overall team defense gets better. Go Harden Go! Go Houston Rockets!
i think he's amplifying his fortes. he's not that LBJ-style, come from behind, block a layup out of nowhere type of guy. he slowly chases, but his eyes are fixed on slapping the ball away before the ball goes up into a layup or shot. when he defends the paint against a post-up, you can't move him, so he's very effective there on the block. he's 4th in the league for steals (2.1) behind RW, PG, Covington. it just adds even more credit to his efficiency.
To me, deflections are also a very important defensive stat and Harden is tied with Paul George for #1 in the NBA at 3.8/game. What!?!?! That can't be right... the internet tells me that James Harden is a bad defensive player and Paul George is one of the best defensive players in the league. I must be looking at it wrong, the internet is always right. /sarcasm
Harden has always been great in the post defensively. I think one thing we are seeing is Harden's STAMINA being utilized defensively now. The offense is obvious. But his new stamina helps with the more energetic effort
I noticed he is up nearly one foul committed per 36 awhile back and I wondered if it was an intentional part of the game plan to start reaching more and going for more steals at the expense of fouling a bit more.
