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James Harden impressing the USA Coaching staff with his defense

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by okeezie, Aug 2, 2014.

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  1. okeezie

    okeezie Member

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    No. 1: James Harden is better than advertised defensively

    I spoke to several members of the USAB staff, and behind the scenes they were amazed at how good James Harden has become as an overall player since his last tour with USA two years ago. The fact that he came in and was focused on being a lockdown defender blew them away. When he wants to play defense, Harden is very capable. We already knew he is one of the premier offensive players in all of Basketball. Love him as a player (have always loved lefties) for his unorthodox moves in the open court that allow him to get to the rim, and also knowing how to draw fouls. But now I am being told he is getting it done on the other end, which has always been the major complaint about Harden’s game.


    Read more at http://www.sheridanhoops.com/2014/0...idnt-know-about-team-usa/#wSBdWZuph8zPJEwC.99

    For the haters..
     
    #1 okeezie, Aug 2, 2014
  2. TheMystery008

    TheMystery008 Member

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    Everyone knows he can play defense when he wants too.

    He was a good defender in High School.

    He was known more for his defensive skills than his offensive skills during those days.

    Once he got drafted, I guest he decided to focus more on his offensive game just like Parsons.

    Hopefully this year, he'll show some promises on the defensive end.

    Then, a year after that, we'll have a complete player in James Harden.
     
    #2 TheMystery008, Aug 2, 2014
  3. okeezie

    okeezie Member

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    Not everyone knows that. I'm glad you do. There are some that act like he never played defense in his life. And he played D in OKC. It slipped when got to the Rockets and I'm willing to bet it has to do with being "The Man" here. He probably has not been in good enough shape to carry his offensive burden at the break neck pace we play and play D. Hopefully he gets in that shape and brings this Harden back to Houston with his dominant offensive game.
     
    #3 okeezie, Aug 2, 2014
  4. apollo33

    apollo33 Member

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    The Tmac syndrome.

    I remember when Tmac was first drafted, he was a super good perimeter defender with shot blocking abilities, his few years he was mainly used for defense than offense
     
    #4 apollo33, Aug 2, 2014
  5. Carl Herrera

    Carl Herrera Member

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    Good to hear that Harden has been playing D for Team USA. Hope it continues into the NBA season. Harden committing himself to become at least an average defender is the one thing that could change the Rockets' fate the most in the upcoming season and beyond.
     
    #5 Carl Herrera, Aug 2, 2014
  6. Liberon

    Liberon Rookie

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    Looking good. I cursed Harden when Parsons left... It's a just the matter of if Harden is going to defer to Ariza on the defensive side like he did Parsons. How will Ariza respond? Parsons at least said stuff like "What was that" on a Harden lazy defense play. Will Ariza hold Harden accountable?
     
    #6 Liberon, Aug 2, 2014
  7. slothy420

    slothy420 Paper Street Soap Co.

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    There, fixed it for ya ;)

    My guess is probably not.
     
    #7 slothy420, Aug 2, 2014
    1 person likes this.
  8. Carl Herrera

    Carl Herrera Member

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    It's up to Harden to hold Harden accountable because Harden is a grown ass man.
     
    #8 Carl Herrera, Aug 2, 2014
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  9. okeezie

    okeezie Member

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    You said he was incapable of playing.D. Most of us pointed out it was an effort thing and not a skill thing and that he has played good D before in OKC. Defensive effort can be improved. Defensive skill cannot. You wrote the book on a 24 year old player prematurely who is a gym rat and loves basketball. You were wrong. Don't try to spin it. Just accept it and move on. Please and thank you.
     
    #9 okeezie, Aug 3, 2014
  10. Crashlanded19

    Crashlanded19 Member

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    People forget he was a MVP candidate
     
    #10 Crashlanded19, Aug 3, 2014
  11. ksny15

    ksny15 Member

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    Lol Parsons is the last dude who should be holding James accountable. He was just as horrible on D as Harden
     
    #11 ksny15, Aug 3, 2014
  12. jbasket

    jbasket Member

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    True, but it helps if Dwight starts to get on him. Not sure why Ariza would be the guy holding him accountable when the Rockets have a 3 time DPOY.

    Fixed. Honestly, McHale should bench him at the beginning of the regular season. Give him a reality check while the Rockets still get wins with Dwight and co.
     
    #12 jbasket, Aug 3, 2014
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  13. J Sizzle

    J Sizzle Member

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    You don't honestly believe this do you? Like...please tell me you don't...
     
    #13 J Sizzle, Aug 3, 2014
  14. jim1961

    jim1961 Member

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    Defense at the 1,2,3 & 5 could certainly transform the team where only the 1 & 5 played defense last year :)
     
    #14 jim1961, Aug 3, 2014
  15. Haymitch

    Haymitch Custom Title

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    That might be the worst suggestion I've ever heard in my life.

    I mean, if he becomes a major problem in practices and training camp then maybe you consider cutting his playing time to start the year, but anything more than that would be counterproductive.
     
    #15 Haymitch, Aug 3, 2014
  16. jbasket

    jbasket Member

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    Did that happen last year? What was more counterproductive was that playoff series. Regular season matters little in comparison to the playoffs.

    Also, benching does not mean to DNP-CD him, at least not in the context I have heard and used it.

    With great power comes great responsibility. I might have gone too extreme, but at least a preseason game if he doesn't play up to par on defense, like he is with Team USA. Doing this would make a statement at an appropriate time, sending him a message to clean up the BS.
     
    #16 jbasket, Aug 3, 2014
  17. WinkFan

    WinkFan Member

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    This is just silly. Nothing could set the team back more.
     
    #17 WinkFan, Aug 3, 2014
  18. Clutch

    Clutch Administrator
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    This should be its own thread.
     
    #18 Clutch, Aug 3, 2014
  19. i3artow i3aller

    i3artow i3aller Member

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    He'll be a Shutdown Corner in no time!
    [​IMG]
     
    #19 i3artow i3aller, Aug 3, 2014
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  20. heypartner

    heypartner Member

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    I would like to read a quote from Coach K about this, but Bobby Gonzalez (the author of this news) is very credible. He was the coach of Seton Hall, so he most likely does have inside info on this.
     
    #20 heypartner, Aug 3, 2014
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