That is not the freaking point, he wasn't all defense until 5 year into his career, he wasn't bad as Harden but he wasn't that good. I stated that his defense improve and that's a fact, dude has been a defensive juggernaut since his 5 year in the NBA.
You're expecting me to post sound bites for something that you heard? Really? How about you post your own sound bites to backup your statements. I posted video to backup my statement so it seems only fair that you post something to backup yours. Still waiting to hear your explanation for not believing the video. Did you just not watch it or do you think that it's fake?
Dude that was Harden man period is my point. McHale noticed that he couldn't guard the man so other teammates had to guard him. That is why Bill and Bull said that was Hardens man.
What exactly did you expect? I posted a link to videos and summarized what was in them. What about that do you disagree with? Did Hayward not make 12 baskets? Did you watch the video? Was Harden only on him for 5 of the baskets? That's what I stated, which do you disagree with? Did you see Hayward driving and dishing when Dwight came over? I didn't. Hayward had a total of 3 assists in the game. One assist (0:25 of 2nd) was an outlet pass on a rebound, the 2nd assist (4:32 of 3rd) was off of a switch with Garcia guarding him and he passed the ball to the 3 point line. The last assist (0:59 of 4th) he caught the ball on the 3 point line (with Harden guarding him) and swung the ball to a 3 point shooter. Hayward had 3 assists and 4 turnovers, it's not like he was killing us by creating for others. Sorry that the video that I posted didn't backup your claims. It doesn't mean your point isn't valid, it just means that sighting this game as proof doesn't hold water. If you think my interpretation of the video is incorrect then let's hear it. If not then what are you upset about? I didn't even offer an opinion one way or the other on the issue, I only presented facts to refute a claim. Are you dissapointed by the video, my interpretation of the video or by an opinion that I didn't give?
Except that Garcia started the game on Hayward, not Harden. So then "Dude, wouldn't that make him Garcia's man?". If we had to adjust it was because Garcia couldn't guard him. Again, go look at the video. It's really non-refutable evidence.
The challenge with Harden is he plays AAU D, reach from behind as the man goes by you. The scouting report says go at Harden on D, whoever he is guarding. Make Chandler or Pbev cover up for his lack of hustle and/or drive to play D. Okay, Hayward only scored 5 times on Harden, however, Harden plays little to no help defense, doesn't understand the concept 1 iota!!
No No No...!!!! It's Harden's fault that Garcia couldn't guard Hayward.... Everything is on Harden...
Also let's be perfectly clear, George guards the other teams best SF or SG. Harden isn't asked to do anything close to that and George still produces at the same level.
Harden actually has the physical makeup to play very good D. Strong, long arms, and can jump. His problem is between the ears and a want to attitude. Don't wait until the last 5 minutes of the game, do it for the entire time your on the floor. Lead by example!
Almost 60 pages and people posting various segments in videos just to try to excuse Harden's defense (basically, "he wasn't responsible for all the defensive errors"). OK, you got me there. He wasn't responsible for the entirety of our defensive errors.
Everyone knows Harden needs to improve his defense, I don't think anyone disagrees with that but I think everyone is watching him on every play and I understand Bill Worrell being frustrated as well but I think his play by play against the Jazz just put Harden under the microscope and making everyone over analytical and critical of his defense. I'm going to say what many have been saying, that Harden isn't 100%. He only shows full potential in bursts during the game and that's because his feet must be killing him. Anyone that actually plays basketball and tried to play on bad feet will tell you that it AFFECTS YOUR DEFENSE the most, mainly because you are anticipating the ball handler's moves most of the time and if you're half a second behind in reacting to his moves, you're already too late and the ball handler already blew by you. On offense it's different because your dictating what the defense will do most of the time and James is clever enough to score without using his athletic ability at 100%. He was bad last year, but nowhere near as bad as this year. I'm going to at least give him until he's 100% healthy.
That's frequently the case. Harden wasn't guarding Hayward when he went for 18 in the first quarter. He was guarding Jefferson most of the time.
Also, let's be perfectly clear - this is not true. Lance Stephenson and George Hill are often given the task of the tougher cover. George, like Harden, gets the easier draw sicne he has to be the offense. I know real-world evidence is anathema to many people posting in this thread, but here's a good example from early in the season vs the Pelicans: http://stats.nba.com/gameDetail.html?GameID=0021300011#playbyplay Look at the bunch of baskets by Eric Gordon, clearly the Pellie's best perimter swingman - note who is gaurding him in most of the halfcourt sets. Hint - not Paul George. Rather than drawing the "other teams best SG or SF" - he's over on the YOU CAN'T STOP YOU CAN ONLY HOPE 2 CONTAIN-level threat of of Farouq El-Aminu (click on his highlights to verify....) George meanwhile was about the only guy who could score for the Pacers that night. Accordingly, like most offensive load bearers including Harden he was not asked to do the heavy lifting on defense like you claim for 48 minutes. THat's just one example but I'm sure there's more out there if anybody is bored enough to do the research. I'm sure George gets the draw at the end-of-game in the same way that LeBron does, but otherwise the Pacersr don't ask him to wear himself out in the way you imply. I know it will probably make no difference in your alternate reality, but it's the truth.
Maybe because they were playing the Pelicans? Convenient that you chose that game. What about more meaningful games? Like there are tons of video that anyone can easily check of last year's playoff games vs Knicks and Heat. Guess who he was guarding in those games. Come on, guess. Melo and LeBron. Definitely more telling than the Pelicans game.
Last year. And his offense last year in the playoffs was a joke compared to Harden - 16 pp/36 minutes and 19 overall - with a 16.6 PER.... you think that's Harden level - really? But I'm glad you brought it up - and you're right, it's more telling than the Pelicans game, because it validates the theory that when George gets the tough cover on D for a full game - like a Melo or LeBron - he becomes merely average on offense. When he gets Faroq Al-Aminu or Martell Webster, like he's been given this year - he morphs into a beast. This might be surprising to you, it's hardly to me or anybody else. Neither of these things are relevant to the post (one of yours maybe? ah who cares...) that I was replying too - which is straight-up false. George doesn't get the tough perimeter swingman anymore - he gets the easy one. I'd like to snarkily say I'd love to hear your thoughts why, but it's too boring and I'm too old to give a **** anymore.
Also, Can Harden get healthy please? Not fair to judge him right now, What we do know, Is that both teams are blessed to have 2 of the best young talents in the NBA. We are happy with James as they are with George.
