Losing harden IMO is the worst thing that could happen to us. As good as Howard is he any be relied upon the same way we use Harden. He's without a doubt the engine and driver that makes this team go. He's absolutely irreplaceable IMO. The only two guys I would give harden up for is lebron and KD, anything else would be back tracking.
Only players like pg who just signed a max contract should play. Kawhi can't afford to get hurt. Love also.
Team USA impressed with hardens defense <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>.<a href="https://twitter.com/cnasrollahy">@cnasrollahy</a> There is no Iguodala. I've heard USAB staff thrilled with defense from Harden, Faried. More on that: <a href="http://t.co/9YBJ1i7EtA">http://t.co/9YBJ1i7EtA</a></p>— Chris Sheridan (@sheridanhoops) <a href="https://twitter.com/sheridanhoops/statuses/496700592925200386">August 5, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Windhorst was on the BS Report today saying the 3 man king of the hill game Harden, Durant and George were playing was one of the best things he's ever seen in his time covering basketball. "Harden was playing defense like a banshee"
Good on harden, we always knew he can play d when he wants too from his okc days. When he does not have to carry the load he knows how to still be affective. However once the season starts he will need to resort to old lost harden to carry the offense once again.
I've said it all along, he has all the physical tools to be a good defender. Whether its lack of focus/concentration or fatigue from carrying such an offensive load, that falls on the coaching staff.
For the longest time I'm sure you were saddened by your choice of username, but, now you have a chance at redemption! The feel-good story of the summer.
If Harden will come back and play good defense, I will turn from one of his greatest critics to one of his greatest fans. It will represent a attitude and mindset change, which could also translate to being a better leader, both by example and verbally. Me gusta.
wut? without Howard we are just as screwed. We will have NO defense, and will absolutely not make the playoffs...if we had Asik still then it might be doable..but without him? hell no.
I kaant believe my eyes. Just listening to these words is giving me a Hard-on. I love James Harden and have always said give him a year he will grow into a more mature player/leader. James Harden of last year (regular season) with Defense = Same category as Lebron and Durant.
Not the whole season..... But after the allstar break for a 30 game stretch it be hard to find somone playing better. He was litterally avg 28 7 and 6 on 50/40 shooting. IMO that is Lebron and durant level and that's why I think he can lead houston to a title. No one in the game is putting up Numbers like that besides KD and Lebron. Now we just need it on D and in the playoffs. I'm honestly expecting a 27 7 and 6 yr from harden on 48/39 shooting with elite defense. I think this is the yr he get crowned the 3rd best player in the game and Houston a legit title contention.
The last 30 games Harden averaged 27.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 7.3 assists shooting 46.9%, and 42.3% from 3. So you're literally wrong. A 30 game stretch of being almost as good doesn't put him up with Lebron and Durant.
Team USA has a "REAL" coach who doesn't try to run the team like a track team and Harden doesn't have to do everything offensively. So I'm not surprised.
I take it you weren't watching, they were playing pretty damn uptempo, which makes sense given team usa is basically the youngest international team as well (they had a projected starting lineup of Davis, Durant, George (pre injury), Harden, Rose. You don't think they were going to run with that? lol)
