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[The Ringer] The History of James Harden’s Deadliest Move

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by Deuce, Mar 5, 2019.

  1. Deuce

    Deuce Context & Nuance

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    This article is an AWESOME read! check it out!

     
    robgue, MghtyPtrck, clos4life and 7 others like this.
  2. Rashmon

    Rashmon Contributing Member

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    Great read! Thanks for psoting.

     
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  3. Deuce

    Deuce Context & Nuance

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    Just the threat of the side step unlocks the other variations Harden can unleash.....

    And there may be more to come.

    “He’s got a couple variations of that move that he hasn’t brought out,” Roland said."
     
  4. mikol13

    mikol13 Protector of the Realm
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    Was going to post this as well. Very good stuff.


    Nunn said that a double stepback Harden attempted against the Jazz in December is a travel. (The National Basketball Referees Association agrees.) But Harden’s usual repertoire all passes inspection.

    “When Harden does what he does, he actually gathers the ball on the zero step,” Nunn said. “Now he takes one step whichever way he wants—back, which is mostly what he does, or to the side—and then the foot that joins the other foot becomes the second step. Then he launches. It’s a legal play.”
     
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  5. CDrex

    CDrex Contributing Member

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    I've been musing to myself for a few months that if he could come up with a killer hesitation dribble that incorporates fear of his stepback, he'd be even more dangerous. Cool to know that he's thinking about moves and countermoves like all the greats.
     
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  6. Jugdish

    Jugdish Member

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  7. amaru

    amaru Member

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    James is finding new ways to travel and hold the Rockets back o_O
     
  8. kevcai

    kevcai Member

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    Great article by the Ringer -- one of the best parts is highlighting how this move evolved. Apparently the author watched every stepback Harden took in 2013-14 and only 4 of them were these side steps. He missed 3 of them badly:



    I know this board jokes about Harden looking fat in the offseason but there is no doubt that he is always in the lab working on his game, honing his craft, and getting better. We are lucky to have him lead our franchise.
     

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