2014-2015: James had the best season by a lot of metrics "But he's not the best player on the better team" 2016-2017: James actually leads the league in assists in his first year switching to being a "point guard", secures his team the 3rd seed in the West, dropping 28.8/11.1/8.1 statline for the year. "But he didn't average a triple double" 2017-2018: James helped orchestrate on of the best offense in NBA history, Houston wins 65 games and secures the 1st seed. "Okay fine" 2018-2019: James decide to go John Wick on the entire NBA "Well...that's good and all but Giannis is yoked"
Yeah I got into a conversation about that very thing on Twitter tonight. It amazes me still that people try to discount what he’s doing. You don’t have to like James, but you should definitely respect him.
The progression of the typical Harden argument: "He shoots too many free throws!" "That's because he gets fouled a lot." "Yeah, but the refs give him too many calls!" "Like they've always given elite-level superstars." "He flops too much!" "No, Marcus Smart flops too much." "He tries to draw fouls!" "Duh. And he's one of the best ever at it." "But he tries to draw fouls instead of actually trying to score!" "He shoots way more field goals than free throws, and besides, free throws ARE scoring." "Well I just don't like watching him play!" "Yeah, you got me there. Your loss, Warriors fan."
Harden has simply cracked the code in today’s NBA. That’s not taking anything away from him. All his buckets are unassisted and he goes to the line more than anyone. When he has the ball at or near the top, he is going to attempt 1 of 3 things. In this order... 1. Step back 3 2. Take it to the rim/ft line 3. Pass it if not comfortable with 1 or 2 So Harden works tirelessly in the gym on that first step, drawing contact, and hitting the step back 3. Probably works on his FT’s too. He is incredible at those things and pretty average at other things. So his numbers suggest that he has cracked the NBA code. The NBA will adjust and would much quicker if we were winning titles with this extreme iso ball. I guess youngsters are being coached to do these things too. No mid range!! The ‘86 celtics- the best team I’ve ever seen- took tons and tons of mid range shots and made ALL of them. It was torture. That shot can be a weapon too. However, the Celtics weren’t trying to match those shots against a barrage of 3’s from the opponent in those days either. Forgive me if i am being captain obvious.
The thing I admired most about Harden tonight is how he never lost his cool at his teammates. He hasn’t done that at all during this streak. I mean I could never picture myself being in his position, but I can’t imagine having the ability to not freak out, yell at someone or shake my head and just say “Fk it”
silver & his cabal will go back to the drawing board and change the rules again for a 3rd time in 3 years
So far in January, Harden is averaging 45.3 ppg. If that weren't already insane enough, he's averaging nearly 9 rebounds, just under 8 assists, 2.2 steals and over a block a game. And check out this gem of a stat: For the season, Harden is averaging over 50 ppg against Atlantic Division teams. Toronto, the last of the five teams, is coming up this Friday at home.
Yep. And I’m not suggesting that the NBA will stop him through their changes, obviously they haven’t yet. But players trying to do harden things but aren’t as good at it will have to think of something else. If you allow the game to become violent again? Maybe that would curtail all this Harden stuff?
Greg Anthony on nba game time : Harden is the best offensive player I have seen in my lifetime with the combination of scoring and playmaking . He played against Jordan , Kobe and the dream. That’s a huge praise
