I think Harden is a better finisher at the rim than given credit for. Elite. Giannis is not an elite 3 point scorer.
So, what exactly are you suggesting? You want to do something to change the narrative? Why? Everyone gets so butthurt over how the media talks about "your" team. Who gives a ****? Truly. I don't need Stephen A. Smith to say nice things about Houston or James Harden for me to enjoy a basketball game.
Fighting back with this kind of counter narrative is what is needed. Would be nice to see this more in the media!
Because your weirdo self thinks he doesnt deserve the MVP. Lol, of course you dont care. You want a more animated personality for MVP.
Thanks for posting for us "non clickers" Lol at the desire to jab harden with a link to his ONE travel. So silly but otherwise seems like a decent article
We're all guilty of jumping to conclusions at times when it comes to the media writing about Harden and/or the team but we shouldn't include our own bias just to make ESPN/media to look bad when it's not warranted.
I get your opinion, totally understand the option to ignore the media. I don’t feel butt-hurt just feel there is a lop-sided narrative that grows unchallenged and can have longer term damage. As for exactly what I’m suggesting, I’ve already stated it- to go the opposite of your ignore the media approach and instead actively oppose the anti-Harden/Rockets narrative (not from me a fan, but perhaps compelling an alternative and credible media outlet or from the organization itself- someone/something that fights for its players, team, and brand). Let the players and coaches focus on getting back to dominate winning, need others to step up and fight the prevailing negative narratives that bring with it, untold second and third order effects- prospective free agent player and agent opinion, TV desirability & associated exposure, ratings, money, and much more than I can think of but intrinsically know has effects on the entire organization, current and future operational model. Maybe I’m in the minority on this viewpoint and if so it’s still worth hearing other perspectives (like Williamson’s) or to better sharpen and support the head in the sand approach as the best option because we all have one thing in common- being fans of this team and hoping for a championship.
But the article you used as proof wasn't anti-Harden unless you're taking every miniscule critique as a complete dig and judgment on either Harden or the team?
"Aside from drawing whistles, Harden's signature skill is the step-back 3" Fouls or not, during his Rockets tenure, Harden has scored 155 more layups on 800 less total FGAs than a much more athletic Kobe Bryant did at the same age. Everything Harden does is predicated on his ability to score layups -- his Assists, fouls, and even his Step-Back 3 are all setup by his dribbling ability, stop-hesitation, Euro-Step, taking contact all to score layups more than even one of the GOAT athletic freaks of NBA History -- Kobe Bryant in his prime. It's all come together where he's a Triple Threat (Layups, Assists, Threes) which makes all three easier for him to do.
You tripped me up on that last statement - I almost spewed my coffee on the monitor. But to your point, he is a masterful scoring machine, but the NBA & media reward gazelles not bulls.
I think Harden is healthy finally and his hammy isn't bugging him like it was before. If you watch this highlight clip at around the :20 mark, after making the three and 1, he was shouting that he's back. He's healthy is what he means and it shows. He looks so much more explosive than he did earlier in the season. Let's just hope for continued improved health with the rest of our roster.
That's because your team LOVES inefficiency, especially the mid range shot, so it's hard for you to appreciate the greatness that is Harden. That coupled with our rivalry and it makes sense you feel this way. Not me tho... Give me Harden all day.
I think we are in a situation where we need/crave/want the media to love us and to pet us on our head that we're forgetting: 1. Most major media outlets are on either coasts 2. NBA is narrative driven so there's no point in building your favorite player/team up unless it brings in $$$ Favorable coverage would involve #2; what's the player du jour that's gaining traction? Who said what from their Twitter or IG?
Let's not be hypocrites about this. When Westbrook won his MVP we all complained that no one considered the winning. Harden's team then was atop 5 team in the NBA while OKC was in like the bottom half of the west for most of that year. Harden's team isn't winning enough right now for him to get MVP consideration, that's how it should be. Giannis' team is, right now. They are basically tied for best record in the league. He should be an MVP frontrunner. The Rockets need to start winning a lot more before we can start the MVP Harden narrative.
