Max Kellerman would choose Luka Doncic over James Harden

Honestly energy isn’t the right word. I didn’t know how else to state it. I started off the post saying Harden is better than everybody. My point was missed. Don’t care anymore

 

yeah it's energy, fatigue, running out of gas, pacing himself, history of lung issues..

but i think it gets more obvious/worse with the heavy load he has to carry and all opponents entire preparation and focus on him

 

James definitely wasn't this good at 21 years old. Luka is special. I haven't seen James take over a game like that ESPECIALLY in crunchime.

Your Move James...everyone is watching

 

Why is everyone obsessed with what a boxing commentator thinks?

 

People act like Luka is some raw 21 year old too. The dude has been a professional since the age of 16, playing against higher level competition. A lot of what makes him special is he’s not afraid of the moment, that takes experience. Which he has

 

People act like its just because they let him play that early. Remember LaMelo Ball experiment and how did he look in a **** team in **** league in Europe? Doncić was playing in best club in best league in Europe, and then won Euroleague MVP(where all best teams from Europe play for a cup). This dude was 16-18 years old playing against best of Europe, because he was on their level. I have seen many american graduates from top league that come to Europe at the age of 20+ and are just not good enough for lower leagues. I mean 25yo PJ Tucker after he got to NBA came back to German league which is kinda weak league compared to La Liga. And wasn't remotely as good as 17 year old Doncić

 

I think James Harden and Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson created a European Style Basketball.

Mike Dantoni started and created this style, Steve Kerr just hopped on the Warriors Team with Dantoni system.

Luka is just reapping the rewards in this era by having James Harden as a player he follows, yes he watches Harden and copies him literally.

Luka is really lucky to be in todays NBA a 3 Point League than OKC Big 3 Durant, Westbrook, Harden, Serge Ibaka, Jeff Green.

 

luka is better than i expected

this sucks

he will terrorize the southwest division for years to come

 

It seems a lot of sports fan talk is about comparisons. At least these two play in the same time period. The Oscar Robertson v. Lebron James type stuff is so tedious it can make your brain melt.

It's always a vaguely interesting question though: if you could pick one player to start your franchise, who would it be? Luka is a defensible pick, give or take durability, which is precisely what so many underrate about Harden. Also, I don't think many GMs would say Giannis, just because he's at his ceiling and the game is probably still moving away from the very tall guys.

 

I don’t know where you got what I said was a knock on Luka. All I’m saying is the “oh he’s 21 and doing this” is a bit of an over exaggeration, like you said he’s been competing at the top of the game overseas for years before NBA. It’s still impressive, but it’s not unfathomable what he’s doing in the NBA.
Which might also indicate he’s close to his peak (which is elite)

 

Pace. I like that word. Just sometimes I feel like that could improve. Like on an inbounds play to go fast pace and try to get open rather than be so casual.

 

Harden shoots better in every category, scores more, gets more steals and blocks.

Luka gets more rebounds and assists.

While at this moment Harden is clearly the better player, what he does NOT have is personality and narrative.

Luka smiles and shows emotion.... this weighs a lot with fans and media. He also doesn't have a string of playoff disappointments like Harden (which are highly exaggerated), nor defensive and "traveling" lowlight videos (from YEARS ago). Luka made that game winner last night, and I have no doubt that people will start holding him above Harden soon.

I will say, I'd love to see Harden hit a big shot at the end of a playoff game to tie/win. I feel like this may happen in the regular season, but in the playoffs.... with little time left... we have a tendency to either not get a shot off, or just miss.

Luka is special, and I cannot believe Dallas lucked into him immediately on Dirk's way out. He could end up being better than Harden, who knows, but he isn't now.

He is easier to root for though. Harden comes alive sometimes, but rarely, and his emotions are rarely elation, which is one that draws the most positive attention.

 

Yeah I get the whole charisma thing, I do. But, I prefer Hardens head down, quiet work ethic. Harden is an intelligent speaker when interviewed, obviously one of the hardest workers in the league. His showmanship is in game, not fabricated emotion.
It’s just my personal opinion but he’s the type of super star I prefer

 

I meant something different like he's pacing himself / saving his energy for the whole game

 

Yeah but I liked it for what I was talking about

 

I would too at this point, Luka is 21 years old, Harden is 30 - and while Harden may be slightly better right now - I would take the 21 year old taller player.....

DD

 

The main thing to give me pause is that Harden has a strong track record of durability. That's something that is often overlooked with him. A player is no good if they aren't available to play. That Doncic came back so strong from what looked like a serious injury is a good sign for him, though.

 

Looks like the dude from Broke back mtn.

 

Would you still bet on a 35 year old durable guy or a slightly less durable 25 year old in 4 years?

 

Harden is the best offensive force in the NBA, and 2nd place is really not that close.

And now he also committed to the switch everything which is the most effort intensive defense in NBA.

Everyone complaining about Harden taking breaks when he can are insane.

He is carrying the entire team on his back game in and game out.