Arenas was the 2nd most clutch player I know (after Horry), but he wasn't unguardable, if he was then he would have a higher TS% than Harden. Harden's simply better, and is doing it in the Western Conference whereas Arenas was doing against a really horrible eastern conference (Celtics pre KG, Nets with Kidd/Carter/RJ, etc).
Where do people keep getting Arenas is 6'0"? He's 6'4" 215. He played more like a shooting guard than a point guard. http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilbert_Arenas
I've never actually seen a player quite like James Harden before. He is a special and unique talent, and these constant comparisons to other players probably do him a disservice.
As mentioned earlier, Gilbert is not 6 feet tall. He's 6'4. James Harden is 6'5. Not that much of a difference.
I have never seen anyone get to the rim on the floor like Harden can. Kobe & Michael got up in the air for sure. But they never sliced the way through multiple defenders like harden did while dribbling. Those guys went over and up. Harden just goes right around. It's incredible to watch.
Harden is nothing like Agent 0 who was a top 3 player before his knee injuries. The guy had a personal vendetta against the people who kept him off the Olympic teams and in return, dropped 50 and 60 plus on them. Guy was unguardable and could create in the half court set. The love afair with Harden is a little over the top. The guy needs a mid range game before being compared to players like Mcgrady/Arenas.
Sometimes great stats don't translate into being a great player. Arenas is probably exhibit A in the argument. You knew the guy was never going to lead a team anywhere even when he was dropping nearly 30 a night.
Another notable difference is there built. I mean James Harden is built like a tank, allowing him to better absorb contact. Also here's a comparison of them physically: Harden: 6'4 w/o shoes | 6'5 w/shoes | 6'10.75 wingspan | 8'7'5 SR | max vert 37'' Arenas: 6'2.25 w/o shoes | 6'3 w/shoes | 6'9.5 wingspan | 8'3.5 SR | max vert 36"
Harden is a stocky dude, that's for sure. Great body control mid-air, built like the NBA's version of a linebacker. He just isn't really phased by contact, which is a rich source for all those and-ones.
Areanas was the better shooter. To win games I'd take Harden over Areanas anyday. You know what prime Gilbert remind of? Allen Iverson , really good one man show but can never compliment or work with another star.
If he was, it wasn't by much. In Arenas' best NBA season and shooting year, 2005-2006, when he led the league in minutes played, Arenas shot just 37% from three and 48% from the field. The year after, he shot 35% from three and just 42% from the field. James Harden in his very first season as an NBA starter shoots 36% from three and 44% from the field.
Actually, pre-injury Arena is probably a top 3 offensive player in the league. Like Harden, he only likes the 3s or attack the rim and drew tons of fouls. Harden is more limited in where he likes to shoot the 3s whereas Arena has tons of range. Harden finished better inside with contact tho.
