Everyone from MDA and Harden down has said CP3 is free to take midrange shots, that it's a layup for him, and he's the only one who can freely break our threes and layups philosophy. But if I recall correctly, Harden's own midrange game is just as deadly? Why is CP3 the only one given a midrange licence?
Who says only CP3 has a midrange license? Harden has the freedom to take any shot that he wants. Maybe he just doesn’t want to take that many midrange jump shots. He prefers the stepback three or getting all the way to the rim.
Harden is under Morey’s mind-control, the analytics and statistics of a 3 > 2 is fully embedded in his system I’m joking, but it’s partly true
Harden isn't a good midrange shooter, certainly no where near Chris Paul's But it's not a directive, it's that he knows it and chooses not to.
He isn’t elite in the mid-range like Paul, but I wouldn’t mind him trying a step back mid range once in a while rather than some of foul-hunting moves going to the basket that end up not working and starting a fast break going the other way.
I like his runners a lot more. Basket pressure and can turn those into lobs at the last 20th of a second.
I don't mind Harden taking some "step back" midrange shots for him to "get his rhythm" and to get a lather. That's important. Also, I REALLY like Harden utilizing the floater shot. He can get that off freely and it can be confused with the Capela lob. Also, doesn't force Harden to go all the way to the rim and get contact and NOT having a foul call. (which then ends up putting pressure on transition defense). Harden's floater shot could be a HUGE weapon over time to add to his arsenal!
Harden's floater game has improved so much. Even last season he looked so uncomfortable shooting them.. it's a testament to the work he puts in.
Harden should take a few midrange shots here and there if he misses his first few threes to get in rhythm. I remember a few games this year where he did just that. I do like the runners he's been putting up instead of just plowing into Gobert or Favors at the rim.
Based on shot location data, the average shot from the "floater range" (like about 5-10 feet, in the paint but not in the layup-dunk range) is no more accurate than a 15-22 foot jump shot. So analytics folks might think of them as an "inefficient shot." But this is not to say that either floater or even 15-22 foot jumpers shoot never be taken in some possessions. Some players are better at it than others. It may be the best shot you can create within a particular 24-second period. Knowing that you will take, and can hit, a floater keeps a defender guessing. And it saves a player from too much physical punishment from every drive. It's a tool to be used, but in moderation. On one hand, a player who almost never shoots a floater can be predictable for a rim protector to defend (Westbrook). On the other hand, a player who overelies on a floater is unlikely to be very efficient (Rafer Alston).
thought each mid range shot gives you 40 lashes from morey. of course they're gonan tell the media chris can take them, but he knows daam well not to, even if the games on the line he better take some extra steps and travel to the 3pt line then shoot.
Harden's mid range game feels more impressive than it actually is because he hits difficult shots. Last time I checked, it's actually middle of the pack in terms of efficiency.
