Embrace it....No one cares what Harden only fans think. Their view is skewed. Like Harden in key moments. Oh I bet that one pisses them off too. As long as I gets them mad, might as well keep going. I never seen so many people cry about a guy that's not even on the team.
You getting too deep for them. That's the X factor right there. The mental part....You can have everything else but if you don't have that, forget it.
I don’t think Kobe was necessarily unique as a player. In his prime he was an excellent defender compared to Harden or Curry. Also more athletic. I presume his wingspan was longer too. And extremely fundamentally sound. But those are not really unique outliers. He was just uniquely excellent at basketball itself. I may be wrong though. His prime was getting to be a long time ago now.
You can make an argument for Steph over Harden for sure, but what was the point of stopping at 4 especially when you say over a 30 year span? I can also think of guys like Hakeem and Dirk off the top of my head who were innovative at their respective positions. In regards to Harden, how many of these guys forced rule changes or pushed the envelope and made people really examine the way the game was officiated. From people trying to determine if he was traveling on his dribble drives or step backs, the way he drew fouls and the continuation rule, the various defensive schemes teams would roll out only against James. I’d say he was very influential to the way the game is played between guys now emulating his moves and the way the game is officiated presently.
They will be ok. Especially if they pick up buyouts or waiver guys. Very dangerous team with 3 closers. They can outscore teams simply and play good enough defense to win. Harden is finding the balance between facilitating and scoring. When he finds harmony watch out. This team may not guard anyone but teams can’t stop them. Likely won’t beat the Lakers and may have problems with bigger more physical teams like denver. But they still have a puncher’s chance with those 3. I’d say next year might be their year with some retooling. But that’s what this is all about. Winning a title by 2023.
Which is what just tenacity and drive? Because Westbrook has just as much. Kobe just wasn’t the scarecrow from Wizard of Oz.
Saying Harden isn't as good of rebounder as Malone is perfectly fine. Saying Harden just isn't a good rebounder in general though just isn't true. And I think you know that.
@Nook thoughts on Kyrie? I know that was a question mark like would be buy in. He seems to have for sure done that so far. Isn't taking a lot of shots and is kind of relishing off Hardens looks he's creating for him. I'm surprised he adapted so quickly.
God damnit man James looks so happy obviously happy for him but won't lie and say it doesn't hurt. Happy for Kyrie too.
BK now 1st in ppg, 1st in field goal percentage, 3rd in 3 point percentage, 4th in free throw percentage, 3rd in free throw percentage, and 4th in assists all they need is an above average defense to win a title...if the defense ever got into top 10 territory, then it would officially be a wrap
Maybe not. The lakers gonna be tough to beat. That’s not saying the Nets can’t- but they could be top offense and top 10 defense and still lose to the Lakers.
perhaps, but if they somehow got a top 10 defense, I think it would be highly unlikely...no one can match their shooting and firepower
Im just wondering how the Lakers are going to defend them. Double Harden? Good luck with that. <-----------------
Currently constructed that series would go 7. If they land McGee or Drummond plus a guy like Ariza say in the buyout market.. yeah its over for LA.
I don't see any defense stopping them. Can't double. Zone? Nope they all are great shooters. Switch? A big will always be matched up against one of the big 3. That's BBQ chicken all day. Man to man is the only option and you have 2 of the best ISO players in the league and the greatest ISO player of all time. The playoffs will be amazing to watch this year.
