When I was listening to that, if this is related to seasonal asthma flare-up, his reluctance to answer could have started long time ago. Someone (an agent, maybe) could have told him to stop talking about his asthma for fear of it adversely affecting contracts, sponsorships, etc., especially if it has flare-ups around Spring pollen season. Even if that doesn't make complete sense, I know ppl with asthma who have fears and insecurities of others knowing, irrational or not. If it is a seasonal thing, I'd put Harden not wanting to reveal seasoning issues on the same level of Harden worrying about media/fan image for answering questions by acknowledging a random injury or illness.
I am baffled with Harden. One day we will know, but it won't be anytime soon. I think he has "lifestyle" issues. He is not a health nut like LBJ who does all kinds of things to stay in top condition. If I were his age with his money, the temptations would be overwhelming. MJ may have stayed up all night gambling and smoking cigars, but he was a freak of nature. Harden can't pull it off. Then again it might not be clubbing and smoking pot; it might be seasonal allergies which are horrible in Houston. I just wish we had MVP Harden for every game of the playoffs. The Rockets would likely win every series with anybody including GS.
Are you sick is a loaded question. Yes, oh so that’s why you played shitty! No, oh so you just played shitty! Hardens “none of our business” approach is just that. We are not entitled to an answer, an explanation, a diagnosis, no thing. “Nothing”. Frankly, I appreciate that.
I was thinking that. I would hate to try to very physically active when having severe allergies or loaded with anti-histamines.
I have heard several people mention asthma. Is that a known condition for Harden, or are we guessing here?
If he really has some illness that will regularly flair up during the playoffs I hope they’ll tell us before each game if it’s a bad day so I can avoid wasting my time
It is well documented that he suffered from asthma as a kid...just search "James Harden asthma" for articles. The reason the topic returned is because of this post from last night:
I never actually got to see the head knock from Game 3. I've just watched it and damn...it's hard to watch.
I made a snide comment above, but I do feel bad for him if this is true. I go through these pretty regularly and I hate my life on those days.
I've had moments where I've persevered through illness and gotten the job done. He wasn't that ill where he couldn't play. All I'm saying is illness doesn't always translate into poor performance. It can be a catalyst to make someone focus and work harder. I don't think we can necessarily blame Harden's performance on illness. He still made 7 shots and made some defensive plays. I doubt he was dribbling the ball up the court thinking I'm sick so I can't do this.
Totally understandable. But I am of the opinion that it would be better to just tell the truth, if sickness or asthma or some kind of allergy is an issue. I don't see it as making excuse. Players like Love and DeRosen are talking about their mental issues. They are not making excuses for their performances, just the facts of life. Of course, if his agent tells him not to disclose it for concerns in contract negotiation, that's another story.
That's super interesting, because we can't tell how he would have performed after 2017 Spurs Game 6, but we can look at the 2015 numbers. Here's how he played over that 2 weeks: May 14, 2015: Clippers Game 6, Harden goes 5 for 20 with a +/- of -20. (-32 relative to final score) May 17, 2015: Clippers Game 7, Harden goes 7 for 20 with a +/- of +12. (-1 relative to final score) May 19, 2015: Warriors Game 1, Harden goes 11 for 20 with +/- of -3. (+1 relative to final score) May 21, 2015: Warriors Game 2, Harden goes 13 for 21 with a +/- of +12. (+13 relative to final score) May 23, 2015: Warriors Game 3, Harden goes 3 for 16 with +/- of -31. (+4 relative to final score) May 25, 2015: Warriors Game 4, Harden goes 13 for 22 with +/- of +21. (+8 relative to final score) May 27, 2015: Warriors Game 5, Harden goes 2 for 11 with +/- of -4. (+10 relative to final score) If he had some kind of respiratory thing and was recovering, that might explain the gradual improvement over the next 2 or 3 games. I'm putting the numbers here as a guide in case he's under similar "weather" now. The 5-day break before Monday should help. Let's be glad we finished off the Jazz.
it can still have an affect tho...60% Harden is still capable of making plays and making a few shots because he’s that good, but 60% Harden is still going to struggle overall
This makes so much sense and why he is always sick at this year . I can see his agent thinking it could lossing him money in a contract do to him being sick in the playoffs commonly
