Even with a bigger sample size, and defenses keying in on him, James Harden is still playing at an all-star level. This despite being on a new team with little help, and sub-standard 3pt shooting. Still on pace to become the best shooting guard in 2-3 years. :grin:
If we can surround Harden with some perimeter players that will prevent defenses from collapsing in the middle then that will open up driving lanes for Harden and allow him to get some easy hoops and to setup others.
Harden is a stud. Rox have better future outlook because of him. Rox need another star level player with him but now are more likely to draw another star player with a star level player already in place. He will keep more fans watching the team this season.
He played really well tonight he is adjusting well. A few bone headed decisions down the stretch but he carried us tonight.
I must be looking at this season in a different way because I think there have been several bright spots this year.
harden, parsons around game, asik's defense , and morris at certain times is all that comes to mind. i could add ppat's offensive production as well.
I think our current players are capable of doing that. Especially Jeremy Lin, who wasn't that bad at 3pt shooting(32%). And Parsons has been shooting 3s better as he plays more. And Patterson, for all the problems with rebounding, is an unusually great outside shooter for a man his size.
yep agree. In addition to Harden: Asik has suprised and proven he is a top Defensive STARTING Center and great rebounder Parsons continues to provide leadership, and increasing his scoring + rebounding Emergence of Terrence Jones with a bright future Marcus Morris proving he belongs in the league Even a shoutout to Greg Smith for showing some skills All of these guys will continue to develop and accrue chemistry which will make their individual play that much more beneficial to the team. I think all of the aforementioned were question marks coming in--in terms of their contributions and future (for the most part..)
Patterson's outside shooting shouldn't be a surprise. He's been shooting the 3-ball since he was in college when he was still teammates with Wall and Cousins. I agree though. Pat has really improved his post game. He's got a nice hook shot and he's using some dream shakes as well.
They're so minor compared to the elephant in the room that people tend to forget them. Seriously, I don't think most people were predicting Linsanity 2.0, but who honestly thought Jeremy Lin would come in and make Trevor Ariza look like a value signing and an offensive juggernaut?
Other impressive things: -Asik's rebounding/defensive presence -Chandler Parsons' rebounding and improved shooting -Marcus Morris as a legitimate rebounding/offensive force -Greg Smith as a great PnR man off the bench -Terrence Jones showing the potential to be an impact rotation player There are going to be rough patches, but this is a team that will continue to get better. Remember that we have only 2 guys that were in the rotation last year returning. This is going to be a bumpy ride, but it'll be a good one.