Stephen A Smith: James Harden is the greatest scorer in the NBA

No Kellerman in the thread title? You’re doing it wrong, amirite @tinman

 

I'm sure that he meant to say the best scorer after Hunter Henry.

 

Regarding Max's comment on Harden, I get that Harden has more to prove in the playoffs, but what can't we just enjoy regular season achievement on its own? If we're just going to ignore what happens during RS, then what the hell is the point of playing 82 of those meaningless games?

 

opportunities to call out D’Antoni

 

He is averaging the 2nd most points per game in the last 30 years, With more assists than anyone close to him in those 30 years. What a bold statement Smith.

 

Harden is the only player who they always have reservations for when calling him the best, MVP etc. Always a but, an if or just using a different label like best scorer instead of player. I don’t care about what title they give, actually they should stop with MVP and best talk and just talk about the win and the streak. That it’s unprecedented and amazing. Wanting to use this streak as a case for best this or that only takes away from what it actually is.

 

The talking points when it comes to Harden is purposefully crafted to be high-level and never in the weeds. Hence, we get the same re-run statements from both SAS and Max and repeated comparisons of the current game to playoff success. It's completely unfair, especially when you see them go on and on about how difficult some of the moves Russ, Lebron, KD, Steph pull off when they have highlight games like the one Harden had. They would build on the narrative of that player's game. For us Rockets fans, there were some things about that game that surprised me about Harden that I don't think the TV personalities would ever comment on.

For example, one article written referenced Harden's leadership development throughout the years being on full display toward the end of that game. Also, personally, what struck me was his willingness to take the hard shot in those key moments rather than try to create for another teammate. He knew it was his game to win or lose - he gambled and won. That's the kind of stuff that separates great players and winners of the playoffs. I'm looking forward to seeing Harden develop this mentality and the team soaking that up, including CP3. The great thing about Harden last night was that in the 2nd half he was all-in on attack mode. It was measured and not reckless. He gambled with that pass to Capela at the end for the and-1 that I initially thought was late but replay showed the pass was made when KD turned his head. It was a brilliant game by Harden.

Max sitting so high and mighty in that chair of his can never make these kinds of statements about individual plays of the game. He is only capable of articulating the scripted talking points. Zero appreciation for the nuances of game of basketball - only athleticism and "two-way" play. Him talking basketball is like watching a soccer player play pick-up basketball. It's an insult to us fans to have him up there talking with any sort of authority.

 

It's not debatable at this point

 

dam max kellerman still thinking lebrick and cry baby curry is better than Harlord in offense right now....
the hate is real
well SAS is back on Harden train at least...

 

Nope. He still doesn't have Harden in his top 7.

 

That's a bold statement by Mr. Smith. I got another one...

 

Kellermans argument is pretty stupid to me. Harden leads the the league in points AND assists. He compared him to Carmelo who is not a playmaker. Harden is the best offensive player.

 

Just Roll your Eyes Everyone

 

I think he might have. He went on under valuing or dismissing the MVP trophy.

 

Hey Stephen A Smith, Max Kellerman you forgot to mention, "The Rockets are not Championship Contenders without Trevor Ariza, Luc Richard Mbah Moute" Narrative What Happened, Not enough National TV Games for the Rockets to Destroy Contenders, Your Favorite MVP Candidates for you to Flip Flop on the Rockets and James Harden.

 

Max keeps saying he's not a harder hater, but he definitely is. He always finds ways to dismiss what Harden is doing.

Wants to bring up the playoff card..... Lebron, Curry and Durant played in very stacked teams. AD has done virtually nothing in the playoffs. Leonard virtually didn't play last season..... and Harden has him beat in every department this season. And if you want to bring up playoff numbers, Harden is actually outperforming Curry considering Curry has been playing in a team of all stars.

For someone who "doesn't" produce it in the playoffs, he's averaging over 26 points a game since 2013. He's averaging around 7 assists or more in his last 4 seasons. He's actually had 19 games of 30 plus points and 7 games of 40 plus points in the playoffs.

 

He could rival Curry and Ray Allen as the Greatest Shooter OAT if he continues that.