After watching the last game I was reminded of the final bow missing from Harden's game. Despite utterly dominating, his lack of a post game was on clear display tonight. I have touched on this before, but I believe if he developed a post game, it could take his game to the final level (outside of elite defense). How many times does he easily back his way down into the paint, only to pass it back out our look to draw a foul of an awkward looking hoist at the ring? So many times last year, and early this year, Harden's strength, height and build has allowed him to back down his man. Just imagine how good he would be if he had a post game. Just think about how many times he backed down Rondo last game, with minimal effort. Contrary to popular belief, he isn't fat either, the dude is ripped. 196cm and 102kg, thsts going to cause some headaches and huge mismatches down low. I don't think anyone is suggesting that he becomes the next dirk/kobe in the post, but adding the ability to go to that part of his game if other things aren't working would make him virtually unstoppable in my view. He has the size and the strength to back down most players on the court (outside of centers). There have been a few flashes here and there of some nice one legged fadeaways from the post, but for the most part, this part of his game is invisible. So my question to you is: do you think Harden should/will develop a post game, and when? It's my opinion that this offseason he should immediately seek out Kobe and get some 1 on 1 time building up that part of his game. I would just be interested to see if anyone has had similar thoughts about this. Go Rockets.
You lost me on the Kobe and Dirk part. Do you mean Melo? There is nothing wrong with developing a low post game, back to the basket... backing it in backing it in backing it in I'm all for backing it in
Also, Can anyone confirm and translate the OP's metric system stats? I'm not good at such advanced stats.
Harden plays in the post at times, he absolutely does and he manuevers his big body well. Now, it being apart of our arsenal? There's a lot missing in our "offense", but yes, I'd like to see this more utilized too.
If DWade can do it, Harden certainly can as well. Just a thought, maybe he hasn't focused on developing one because he has Dwight and DMo "clogging" the paint. Also, i believe OP is talking about Kobe's development of a post game after training with Dream. Same thing with Lebron. Both of them used it in their title runs I hope he looks into it this summer
Post up Harden, have DMo throw it into him. And have Capela spot up at the opposite corner. Tell Lawson to crash the offensive boards.
I think he means that playing with your back to the basket is not the same as a post game. Given you said Kobe and Dirk, these guys don't fight for position really. They just have turnaround jumpers that work well when their backs are to the basket. That being said, Harden could add a back-to-the-basket and post-up arsenal to his weaponry. Adding elements to your game only serves to make you better. Especially if you're successful at it. OP, I like your idea. Harden is stronger than probably every 2 and most 3s. Why not post up some to take advantage of that strength? All of that is wrong. If DMo is on the floor you never post up Harden. He's already doing it at a high level. If you use Capela for anything it's to show at the basket or center-slash the lane. Ty Lawson has averaged 0.7 offensive rebounds per game for his career. But that's so stupid you're probably joking.
Harden has stated a few times that one of his influences is Paul Pierce. And he doesn't show it often, but a few times last year he did show a nasty post-up fadeaway jump shot that was very dirk-esque. Even kicked that knee up in the fade. He has it. Don't worry. He'll rely on it more in the latter half of his career. Right now he is dominant when he plays downhill.
The only negative thing about Harden's offense are the wreckless passes. Agreed with the OP though, adding the post element is logical and doable.
Harden is about avg height at his position...not quicker or more athletic...and he's a solid shooter, but his touch isn't exceptional. I'm not saying it is impossible for him to develop a post game, but it's not going to be easy at all, and he'll be limited.
Harden really needs to learn the post up game to compliment the offensive side of the game so that no one defender will be able to stop him. An elite defender can rarely be elite at both the post and at the perimeter. If the defender is stronger on the perimeter, post him up. If he's a stronger post defender, take him off the dribble from the 3 point line. The playoffs the last couple of years have shown that the current Harden can be stopped from the perimeter, by JJ Reddick even. If Harden has a post up game, Reddick wouldn't have a chance. Lebron used to be very awkward posting up, but is now nearly unstoppable.
This reminds me of all the, "When will Lebron stop taking his summers off and actually work to develop a post game?"...Lebron may have been around the same age when he heard that too.
