Rather than that, I would just go on something simpler and ask myself, "If I replace Harden with ___, where would the Rockets be this year?" Obviously such a hypothetical would account for position differences. Like suppose I replace Parker with Harden, and replace Lin with, say Wesley Mathews. Players that would definitely make the Rockets better: Lebron, Durant Everyone else? I'm not so sure. CP3? Yes if healthy. But he's missed 13 games this season already Kobe Bryant? Depends on the team. I don't doubt he'd be a horrible fit next to a bunch of 20yr olds, whereas I don't think Harden would have issues playing with Dwight, Nash, and Gasol. Circumstance dependent. Tony Parker? Also injury issues with 12 games missed, has the benefit of the best coach in the NBA, in the most disciplined system in the NBA. How good would Parker be with McHale as coach? Wade? Less minutes, less games played than Harden. Has the benefit of all-star big and the best player in the NBA next to him. Harden, for example, posted a ridiculous .660TS% last year with Durant and Westbrook. I personally don't know where Harden ranks among NBA players. But personally, I can't see enough difference between him and anyone else not named Lebron or Durant. Perhaps he's slightly better or slightly worse than some of the other stars. But not enough where I'd say a Harden for <insert star> would be a no-brainer for the Rockets. Even if we disregard age, salary, future, etc.
Yeah I'm sorry those rankings are whack. LBJ KD CP3 Kobe/Harden Melo should only be a step above Rudy Gay in rankings. Dude's just getting the NYC media hype, the same way people started treating Ewing like he's on par with Hakeem when he can't even sniff the Admiral's jockstrap
No, not even top five at the moment. But in near future he could easily become top 3 if he stays healthy.
No, not even top five at the moment. But in near future he could easily become top 5 if he stays healthy.
I have a feeling the Kobe we are used to talking about isn't the same Kobe anymore, it not nearly as much. He will have those nights where he will show us that, but for the most part you can tell he is old. The guy can barely keep up with his defender, Ariza lit him up easily last night and he was struggling to even keep pace with Harden.
No way. He does seem to try harder in the last few games, which is very encouraging to see, but up until recently it was always the same: Harden roams - ball is passed to James' man - James sort of runs towards his man - his man goes around him whichever way he pleases with barely any effort - Harden tries to reach around to get a steal - defense breaks down, good shot for the opposing team. Rinse and repeat. He was one-of-the-worst-defensive-players-in-the-league bad. With that said he has demonstrated on individual possessions and short stretches that he can be much better defensively. So I'm hoping for more effort next year. As for his place among the best players in the league, I agree with those who place him in the 6-10 range.
Kobe does when he has to, Durant is actually a good defender, and Melo also tries. Harden does not try.
You guys love to exaggerate. He's not even the worst defender on our team. It's something he needs to work on but relax with the hyperbole.
From Hardwood Paroxysm (there's a chart to go along with this statement) Is it possible that Harden is the most complete (not the best but the most complete) scorer in the NBA? He’s more consistent from distance than LeBron and he attacks the basket better than Durant. At 23 years old, Kobe Bryant averaged a similar number of points (25.2 as compared to Harden’s 26.2), but he shot 25% from distance. Harden’s ability to get to the rim is highlighted by his 10 FTA per game and the fact that no player averages more FTM+3PM (11.0). http://www.hardwoodparoxysm.com/2013/03/16/statistical-anomaly-timberwolves-rockets/
Melo's 2nd in the League in scoring and NY are 2nd in the East with an old & weak supporting cast and he's still getting hated on lol. Not being an obvious homer is disparaging Harden? Negative defenders can't be Top 5 players. It's as simple as that. Wade, LeBron, Dwight, CP3, Duncan are all elite defenders. Same with Kobe before he aged. KD, Westbrook & Melo are both average defenders and and can be damn near close to elite when they at the very least try. In terms of offensive production and efficiency, James is undoubtedly in the Top 5 but he's beyond atrocious on the defensive end.
Harden has the physical tools (strong) to be a feisty defender, he just saves his energy for the offensive end.
No, I acknowledge Harden has been horrible on defense this year, but he is a winning player. That's how you get into the arguement for being elite. Is he in my top 5 now, nah, but he's in my top 10 and I could see an arguement for the top 5. To see people call Melo an above average defender is laughable. He can be when he tries, but before this season he was considered one of the worst defenders in basketball.
