Haha!! Not going to lie, I was wondering the same thing. I was in a hurry this morning and did a direct copy and paste job. After a little digging, I think the person who compiled this data originally could've left that off, to be honest. I think it refers to the fantasy points generated from each player's statistics. I mean although it may be true, that isn't likely to help you win very many arguments lol. None of this should be taken to suggest Harden is a better defensive player than Giannis, but the narrative that he is the worst defensive player in the NBA is just played out and totally invalid. Looking at blocks, steals, deflections, and the field goal percentage that he gives up on post-ups show that when he is engaged, he is a more than competent defender.
For sure. He is doing a phenomenal job this year on defense and the fact that he has some stats close to giannis supports that hardcore
Look closely. He still plays zero defense when the Rockets are on offense. Besides, it wont work in the playoffs.
I'm a fan of the crutch theory. I wonder if there's a way to verify, statistically, that that's part of what's going on. Not just with Harden, but the whole team defensively. Also: Does he earn better defensive stats (deflections, steals, etc.) in games or quarters where his usage as the ball handler goes down? E.g. when he's on the court but Westbrook is running more possessions? That's definitely checkable.
can't compare sunday's lakers game to what the rockets are doing right now. Guess you can chalk it up to "small ball"!!
As always, you make zero sense. Even ZDog articulates his thoughts more clearly than you. Stop vaping in front of the kids.
There was a time at all -star where harden was seen bucking up or at lebron. Lebron might shut down harden in a series against the lakers. It's no telling what howard might do to harden in a series.
Harden has always been good in the passing lanes and post defense. Hopefully having Russ taking the offensive load keeps him fresh.
I think a couple of things happened. 1. Russell forcing him to play harder. 2. No Clint to block a shot 3. PJ and Russ to get in his arse if he doesn't pick up his defense. Now, he still has lapses, where he reaches in the post and gives up layup or tries for the steal in the backcourt giving up an easy layup. 4. He knows this is the only way he can win a championship.
Train harden to become more defensive, shoot less 3 points to give more assists and stand out to shoot the important ball. It can improve the team more
Ha I actually believe in the crutch theory also because I do it when I play bball. I just let the person I'm guarding drive right into our big. Got into a couple arguments that way.
