I'm using this particular poll to settle a debate on the current state of Rockets' fans regarding James Harden. Please pick the option that best suits your views. I find that I've never been able to embrace Harden as the face of the city like most former Rockets stars. I don't mind that others do... I wish I could.
The only player to ever carry the Rockets to a championship was Hakeem Olajuwon, and he is considered one of the best centers of all time. If that's our bar for where Harden should be, then there is no way he will succeed. Harden has taken this team further than anyone has since Hakeem. He single-handily put this team on the map, and this year he really did everything he possibly could to make this team great. The fact that people are willing to just throw him away after one horrible game is baffling to me.
Speaking of Hakeem. I wonder if there were a clutchfans back then, how many people would have been calling for Hakeem to be traded after the '92-93 season.
He is the best player we have had since hakeem. Talent wise he is amazing. But he needs to get mentally stronger. I hope hè does this soon.
Objectively, B is the answer. A and B are probably one in the same. Harden is great, has some flaws, as does the team in its current state. Need Harden to grow, and need the team to improve its overall talent to truly contend. Both are doable. C, D, and E are pretty much emotionally based.
combo of c d e. hes a good player, i lost all confidence in him being a 1st option last season, and wish they'd trade him AND ryan
Harden one of the most talented players in Rocket's history, but I have lost all confidence in him. Don't trust him at all. A little bit of A, a little bit of D, a smidgen of C, and a sprinkling of B. My feelings need a more nuanced poll!!!
Good poll. I feel the same way about your last sentence. I would love to eat crow but yup. I probably would say he is a borderline great player IMHO instead of just good but that is it. A truly great player does not quit or at least plays more Defense in games or just leads teams in games on the Offensive end, his strong suit every game. The playoffs 2nd rounds exposed him. And I detest the shape of the Beard.
He is the best player since Hakeem, a top 3 player in the NBA, and he needs to continue to work on his leadership skills, and he needs a better roster before he can be held accountable for winning a ring. I didn't vote because the options A and B are not mutually exclusive, both are true imo.
I am too drunk to put much thought in to this, but I think the roster needs help. This D'antoni system needs more athlletes. A young Tyson Chandler type would do wonders for this team.
A&B but I stuck with TMac till the next to last year. I really want to be unbiased but I can't. I love the Rockets to the end.
A was meant to be more like "James Harden is above any and all doubt and criticism" while B is more for the realistic folks who understand that he is a star but not a deity.
Abstaining from voting on a random forum poll seems a bit pedantic... A was intended to say that you're not willing to criticize Harden at all, and that no one is allowed to express doubt about his abilities, compare him to Tmac in any way, etc. What was in my head didn't translate very well in the poll. It's for the super mega homers. B meant that you still like Harden but can admit that he needs another star.
A, B, and D are all true to an extent. His style of play rubs many the wrong way, but the results are undeniable. A conference championship appearance and second round exit are more than the Rockets ever had in the 20 years before he showed up. And it's not like he did it this year with much help. The true d'Antoni offense is gonna need a pivot playmaker like Amare was.
I voted D. Honestly..ofcourse he's flawed. I dont' know if there is even one Harden only fan who can come here and say he isn't majorly flawed player. I mean..even more well rounded players than him are flawed, let alone when like Harden the flaw is in two of the most important categories in a star. The one side of the ball- defence- and leadership. But now I found another major flaw that I couldn't believe it was there. No heart. Complete disregard and disrespect for the fans of the team. That's why I voted D with both hands. No confidence in Harden anymore. Does that mean that I don't think he's a superstar top 5 player? Nope, he still is. Does that mean I think he can lead the team to a championship? Unless there's a heart transplant, nope.
