Even if this is an accurate number (although some are challenging this), the threat of the step-back is a huge part of what keeps his defenders uncomfortable and off balance. Without the step-backs, defenders could sag off a half step and say goodbye to half of Harden's layups.
Harden have some shooters now so no excuses. Hopefully Capela and Nene will beast on the boards as well protect the paint.
Don't forget that it's really two... The NBA has the "gather step" and Harden is adept at using it in his arsenal of moves when needed.
It keeps the defense honest. They can't sag off on him as easily. That said I think he shouldn't use it so much. In 2014-15 driving was his go-to move and the step back he used when they sagged off too much. Last year it flipped.
That was incredibly thorough with a ton of supporting examples for each one. Great vid, I'll have to give that channel a subscribe and see if I can learn some new things about players I watch less often.
I knew he was good, you don't have to shove it all up in my face with 300 highlights that prove it. j/k I don't mind.
Either way this team needs to develop superior ball movement sets as well as defend. I just don't see it happening.
It's to create space when they're playing up on him... He used it about as much as he did the year prior.. Driving was and still is his go to move... He's an elite driver. Most of his stepbacks are from mid-range and mid-range only accounts for 22% of his FG attempts.
