Can we start giving Harden props for his good defense lately?

Very good effort recently we should have him guard the pfs when we go small ball. Parsons has some strength problems and James doesn't like chasing guards on screens.

 

What about Lebron? Him and KD don't have to guard guards. If they chased SG's all game their defense would drop. They generally guard slacker Small Forwards or guard a PG for a play and the audience thinks they're amazing. I'd love to see Lebron try that all game, let alone all season

Put it this way, I used to be the go-to guy and off the court my fitness was way ahead of my teammates. But, I would be screwed after a game and they'd seem fine.

 

Harden has improved overall and his post D is nice. His strong arm almost negates the weight discrepancy. He stunts players when their back to the basket, making him very good positional-ly. Still a guard, so quick hands add steals. Hakeem had those G-like hands in the post.

 

Can we start appreciating Harden for how Clutch he has been in the last 5 games or so? Dude has straight up been the engine leading us to wins in the 4th Q. Can't remember the last time we had a guy like that. He just elevates his game and makes play after play in the 4th.

 

good to have a closer especially after going through those kevin martin seasons.

 

Agreed with the above two posters. Harden is getting so much better before our eyes. He will be a great player in this league for many years.

 

I just watched the first half a little bit and he took that challenge to guard Dragic.

 

It's just one quarter and the Kings are crap, but this is the best all-around game I've EVER seen from James Harden.

It's time to retire the "Har_en" nickname. He's rotation well on D and he's shut down his man.

 

I haven't watched the Warriors game, but putting him on David Lee and in general "bigger" forwards simply makes sense. You don't want Harden chasing guards through screens. You want him set and use his ridiculous strength to hold down bigger players. Let them try to shoot over him, which are shots the Rockets want to give up anyway.

The only question is whether or not he can take the pounding. Probably like Delfino, he cannot do it on a consistent basis. I think the Rockets still should just try to hide Harden as much on defense as possible. Then change up in the playoffs by using a variety of smaller lineups where Harden plays bigger. In the regular season, I'm all for lessening the pounding of star players as possible. Keep them healthy for the postseason.

 

definitely HarDDDDDen.

 

he is playing much better
everyone is getting better. Just a few minutes when the get too confident

 

Much better defense!!!

He really seems to be able to guard bigger players and use his center of gravity.

 

Is it too early to call him a near elite post defender?

 

I don't think there's anyone better playing post defense at the guard position.

 

His 3 point accuracy has improved along with his defense.

33% in November, 30% in December, 34% in January, 41% in February.

 

Harden struggles when he has to chase a player, he doesn't seem willing to put in the effort. He also seems to play with his head in the clouds, so his awareness is awful.

Typically when he just has to guard a player straight up, he does well.

 

How about some props for not caring much about a new career high in points scored. He could've easily hit 50 or 60. Cynical folks, eat a fat one.

 

Not 1 props given. I will next season, maybe. If he plays d out the gate, there might be a prop i could give. there will be no props given upon this day

 

Bobby Knight has spoken!

 

he's amazing defensively when he doesnt have to chase r****ds round picks.
Dude is built like an ox and part of the reason he gets to the line at will