Harden will probably stop taking most of the shots when another Rockets player can prove they can STEP UP and make SHOTS just as much as he can
No, I really don't believe that for a minute. He has to have the most points if it means taking twice as many shots.
Harden has it all figured out. As long he puts up big number of points, adds some rebounds and assists he's gonna be fine. People remember Wilt for his 50 point averages, 100 point game, Jordan for being the best, Bird for being one of the best and a great shooter. No one ever remembers what % were they shooting.
What is this? Are you implying that Harden will finish this regular season below 20% from three or something? Don't be silly. That's called law of averages. He might get hot some games and shoot 7/10 or 8/10 from downtown and the percentages will even out. P.S. How old are you?..
Harden is a 37% career three point shooter. But last season he shot 38% (208 threes made). Those are borderline elite numbers. For much of the season he was just below 40% before taking a slight dip. Consider the degree of difficulty of his shots, and the volume he takes, and he is most definitely above average as a three point shooter, and touching on that elite level. I see no reason once he learns to trust Lawson that he doesn't get up to near 40% this season. There's zero reason he won't shoot 40% from downtown in a season/seasons before he retires. Here's some things to consider: Kevin Durant has not had one season where he has made 200 threes (192 is highest) LeBron James has never been close to making 200 threes in a season (132) Klay Thompson's best season from three was 233 makes. Last season, James Harden connected on 208 triples. The dude can shoot. I agree that when he isn't feeling it, he needs to attack the rim or get into his mid range game, but to suggest he isn't an above average (or arguably knocking on the door of elite) three point shooter is absurd.
When The 3's aren't falling, they need to take some mid range 2's if they are open. Maybe they're not allowed. I dunno. 3 is good but an open look midrange 2 is better than 0.
I hear ya there...he asked for another play maker and got it...now it's put up or shut up time for Harden and the crew to step up because if MJ or Kobe couldn't get a ring scoring all the points then Harden sure as heck can't
the team as a whole needs to stop taking so many threes, but harden esp. what is he thinking srs? lead the league in 3pa fine, but make some ****in adjustments! stop acting like the mid range shot is cancer.
The poor 3 point shooting we are seeing this year is a function of generally poor offensive play - no spacing and poor execution leading to contested long range shots because the shot clock is winding down. Fix the spacing and the general inability of the team to move the ball and run the offense and you'll fix Harden's shooting. He's not Steph Curry good as a 3 point shooter, but he is highly respectable if not one of the best non shooting specialist.
The answer is, when the 3s aren't falling, find the open man - that's your best chance at a bucket regardless of where it is. Houston's problem is that there is no open man if James(or Lawson) isn't sucking defenders towards him and the spacing has been poor enough this year that teams can essentially help on the creator and still be close enough to contest on the shot. In short, they need more faith in each other to be patient, keep moving, and only shooting when there is a mismatch or open shot to exploit.
After reading so many of your comments on CF, I'm shocked to learn that you actually watch the games.
