Saw this in a recent exchange over Twitter. Thought it was interesting that he pointed this out. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/thejakeleo">@thejakeleo</a> Fact: every scout, coach I speak to still kills James' D</p>— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) <a href="https://twitter.com/sam_amick/status/558870364592164865">January 24, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> The numbers clearly point to Harden being a better defender and even eye test alone shows he's improved on defense, though he may still have lapses. Klay is a good defender but a lot of his success is because he funnels defenders into Bogut. More fundamental than elite (Battier-esque). Still can't believe how many people DON'T watch the Rockets or Harden and comment that he's still a "turnstyle" on defense though. Perception is a b. Is Sam a prisoner of the moment? Are the scouts correct? What say you?
He just means guys who are good on both D and O. Harden is probably just average on D. It's implied that Harden is the best SG overall.
"best 2-way something something" just means the guy is balanced. Otherwise, you just say the guy is the best. Like people do with Harden. It's fine. The Warriors have the best defense in the NBA and he's one of their top defenders. I found the Klay/Harden comparison to be annoying before this season. But I'm willing to admit he's really improved and is at least a solid #2 SG behind Harden now.
I see, but I'd probably disagree. Yes Harden does have Ariza to cover for some of his mistakes, but the numbers show that he's far from just average on defense. We've all seen Harden elite defensively, especially in clutch situations. If James is still not considered a 2-way player, then how is Butler not better than Klay?
I feel like Butler is not getting any love so his improvements. I say that Klay and Butler are tied for #2 and #3, and I think I'd rather have Butler. Give me an elite defender that gives me 20 ppg over an above average defender that gives me 23 any day.
Butler v. klay is a good study case...both play the 2, Harden is different ..he is the 6'5 LBJ/KD.. . Anyhow you pick harden or klay and you wont go so wrong
It's always funny how the media never talks about "Best 2 way point guard" so they can prop up Steph Curry like there's no tomorrow, but when talking 2 guards, the "two way" phrase always gets brought up so the Thompson > Harden narrative can be pushed.
By the way.. Only Harden who draw double team to him.., Klay and Butler are't there yet, sure their game will regress if they had that
Agreed. All this two-way talk implies Harden plays no lick of defense, which couldn't be farther from the truth. Harden is having an MVP-caliber season and this is what they do to discredit him. Laughable really...
Klay isn't anthing special on defense, he has just always been willing to defend. I have no idea how he got this online reputation of being an all-league defender
It's all down to reputation really. You ask pretty much anyone who is not a Rockets fan and they will still tell you Harden is a bad defender.
Until Klay is able to run an offense like Janes does, don't even dare put Klay in the same breath as James.
