Benching the entire starting unit 4 minutes into the game

JBB almost cried in that gif when he sees Harden's unapproval.

His coaching career was probably flashing before his eyes.

 

Perfect. I didn't see the first half so didn't know this happened.

Well done by JB, and when Harden asked him what's going on near the bench he just shrugged and said something without removing his eyes from the game.

Smith told Harden right away that he's coming out. With a bench this strong, it's smart for JB to use it as a tool to drive home a message without actually having to clap or say anything. That bench can win 10-15 games against the worst teams and those are games where the starters are usually asleep.

 

Also about JB being nervous, that's obviously true but that is the only way he will salvage a coaching career in the NBA.

If he panders to Harden this allowing this team's cultural problems to persist, they will replace him in the summer.

In fact the only way JB keeps this job is if he makes big improvements and takes big risks which cause a significant change in the identity of this team. He took a risk that many coaches wouldn't, and that bodes super well for his coaching future especially considering it worked like a charm.

 

He didn't really do anything wrong... Other than being surprised ... He didn't even look upset.

 

I think you may be the one making things up... Its basketball 5 players go to the scorers table you know all 5 are coming in. The other 4 starters knew what was going on and immediately went to the bench.

You mean to tell me Harden with all his courtvision can't see that?
On top of that Harden just stands there and it was Bev who said comon lets go from the sideline.

Notice Harden doesn't even clap hands with any of the subs coming in.. that is textbook jock for being upset.

 

If DD tells you that you are right, you are pretty much guaranteed to be wrong.

 

Anyone got video of this?

 

http://cdn.streamable.com/video/mp4/orog.mp4

at 41seconds, is jb crying cuz he benched harden? lol wtf

 

haha he didnt even sit down its like he was still in shock "is this happening? coach benched 5 minutes into the game? it cant be, im james harden, THE GREATEST MOTHA F**KIN BASKETBALL PLAYER IN THE WHOLE GOD DAAM WORLD! PLAY ME MOTHA F**KA!"

 

This lack luster play has been going on all year.

I think Harden has gotten a bit "big headed" after his success last year, getting the Adidas deal and shacking up with a Kardashian.

All you have to do is watch the game to see that he does not give 100% on the court, doesn't move without the ball in his hands and spends way to much time flapping his lips at the referres.

Cudos to the coaching staff for benching his candy arse....

 

Agreed. I've never wanted a "great" player to go away more in my life.

 

No, Harden is supposed to want out of the game...that's what a true leader would do. He's supposed to love sitting on the bench, and relish the coach taking him out...like a leader. All the best players love being pulled out of the game.

and, yes, I'm being sarcastic. I'm fine with JBB's decision..it was a good one. But reading in the assumptions around this themed narrative around Harden is silly.

 

So Harden is now supposed to want to go to the bench... That's what we as fans need to see from him now. Insane.

He is supposed to want to stay on the court. He is supposed to be pissed. I'd be much more worried if he was content with coming out of the game. Hopefully he gets the message, and comes out with more intensity at the start of games.

 

Damn, basically my exact post with better sarcasm. I completely agree. Great decision by JBB, and Harden's reaction is exactly what you would expect. Hopefully the message hits home for Harden.

 

His bum**** needs to sit when he is being a bum, simple.

 

And he did...but you really want him to not care? To not care that he's sent to the bench? The criticism in this thread hasn't been just for his play at the beginning but for his reaction. I'd be far more upset if he walked to the bench acting like he didn't care.

 

These type of responses piss me off! Did you not see him continue to talk to J.B. or whoever, walking along the sidelines, then continue to stand only to end up sitting away from the team along the baseline. Something Rodman used to do when he was being selfish.

 

I guess you can say Howard walked to the bench acting like he didn't care.

When I watched the vid after, I noticed how Bev went and greeted/encouraged everyone who was coming in. That's really what we would want Harden and Howard to do as well.

Here's vid again.

Spoiler

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<source src="//cdn.streamable.com/video/mp4/orog.mp4" type="video/mp4" class="mp4-source"/>

</video>