That's what I'm saying. He isn't consistent. He will step up his defense during clutch situations (the end of close games when the score is close). He did step up his defense against the Spurs and somewhat against OKC. But he definitely did against the Spurs through game 5. However, I agree that he doesn't do that all the time. It's why I said, he picks and chooses when to step it up on defense. He doesn't consistently step it up.
but i don't think he picks and chooses either though. its a lack of focus in its entirety. actually in game 5, the fact that he let danny green who rarely puts the ball on the ground, drive into the lane for a layup and get fouled by him was just inexcusable. especially if the rockets get a stop on that one possession, it becomes a FT game and rockets should be able to seal it. things like that you have to realize the importance.
You should go back and read FranchiseBlade's comments. You literally disagreed and then paraphrased exactly what he said.
So now you're picking out one play to define the man's entire ability? You're failing at making a point.
its not just one play. its called an example. ive more than seen enough of harden when it comes to defense. making up something like harden picks and chooses to play defense and is good in clutch situations is not true to me. if you think so then that's you people just love to get all sensitive on this subject like it isn't an obvious glaring hole in who he is as a player.
Are you a 12 year old girl? No, then stop talking like one. "its called an example." To paraphrase, you've said that Harden never plays defense. I'm assuming the defensive plays he does make are something you consider luck maybe? GTFO. You are being a dramatic queen about this. It's weak minded arguments. I'm done with you so don't worry about replying. You're acting like this is a black or white issue and we all know that can't possibly be true. FB was trying to reason with you, but you're clearly in some funk where nothing is reaching your brain right now. I'd suggest you take a break from CFans for a little while, you're losing it.
Harden is more suited to guard 3s and smaller 4s. However, I think the point is moot since we have 3 versatile defensive minded wings. Harden will more than likely be an average defender but I feel like our defense at the 3/small 4 spot is great.
Harden was our primary ball handler last year and played high minutes. He gets tired and figures for the best and most efficient use of his energy is to focus it on the offensive end which I assume MDA encourages. While overall defensively I think he did improve last year he still has extreme lapses in defense which are inexcusable. I understand taking off defensive plays where star players try to focus perhaps 60% or 70% on offense and only 30-40% on defense but I feel like Harden takes this to the extreme. Many plays it feels like to me he is trying 95% on offense and 5% on defense (exaggerated numbers to make a point). With CP3 onboard now I expect this will take a massive load off ball handling duties. My hope is for James to put more energy and focus on the defensive end and I remember being impressed back in the playoffs OKC vs LAL of how Harden defended Kobe and wish we could see that kind of defensive focus back in him:
I don't think Harden's defense is bad. I think he has just picked up bad habits that are hard to shake like clear out of certain areas. If his contract was merit based and the only thing that mattered was defense I promise you that his defensive rating would shoot up a lot.
Harden's main issue on D is when he gets too focused on watching the ball and loses his man on a clear cut to the basket. This should never happen. Play your man and not the passing lanes. If you play the passing lanes, don't lose your man. The other defensive issue is his "Matador" defense, where the opposing player blows by him and he is left reaching out behind him to try and get a steal. This is caused by a combination of slow lateral speed and lack of focus and further compounded by fatigue. The above 2 points however, when combined with his great strength, makes him a great post defender for his size. In the post, lateral movement and playing passing lanes are both largely diminished, allowing Harden to focus on staying his ground while looking for ways to steal/poke the ball with his quick and powerful hands.
