Even if this is true, there is some merit about this debate. Harden is not having a "down season." He is reverting to the season before. He only had one MVP level season. One could argue that last season was when he played out of his mind, just like people say Butler is playing out of his mind this season. Butler is improving just like Harden was in his first two seasons with the Rockets. So I still think that it's too early to say which player will end up having a better career.
The offense would flow alot better . Harden doesnt come inside the 3pt line until he has the ball in his hands
Jimmy would be better defensively and he can score in alot of different ways better than harden. Would be tough decision but i would take............ TOMBALL JIMMY
"Better player"- involves offense and defense. I must say Leonard from the spurs is better than both of them this year.
I think Harden's exceptional offense might have a bigger impact than Butler's individual defensive capability. However, there are these things called intangibles. I think Harden is no leader. Butler has a great mentality.
harden's probably a better offensively player but streets ahead no. And it's likely way closer than you think if you believe its streets ahead.
Harden maybe a better player overall with crazy offense but butler is a better leader because he also leads to example specially in defense. You just know he will play hard every second of the game. It brings fire to the whole team
Actually if you do this hypothetical trade, you'd start Lawson as the primary ball handle rand facilitator and watch him get back to his usual 16/10 while Howard goes back to a double double machine, something like 19/12 Lawson will be able to get Dwight easy buckets
I think too many people here too close to the situation and aren't being 100% rational. Hate the losing need someone to pin it on and wrongly pinning most of it on Harden. Just 2 days ago on the Jalen and Jacoby podcast they were talking about Thompson and Butler and how impressed they were with their seasons and Jalen remarks "Harden is still the best 2 guard in the game" but these 2 guys have been impressive. Outsiders with no dog in this fight. Not the be all end all opinions, but Jalen watches basketball, has played the game and still recognizes him as the best there is at the position right now and that's with Hardens down year and Thompson and Butler playing really well.
