So much of the offense still runs through him so it's tough to call him a role player. I think what we're seeing is positive in the long run. We can't continue with an offense where one guy shoots 20-30 shots a game and everyone else spaces the floor waiting for their 4-6 spot up looks late in the shot clock. Having an engaged offense helps others get in the flow of the game on both ends of the floor, and when others score, players like James get more confident in passing to them vs treating them as guys who can only screen for him or get passes only when he prematurely stopped his dribble and needs it back. In time, we'll see a balance that is a bit more shifted towards harden putting up 10-20 shots a game and still averaging well over 20 ppg, with others on the team getting more shots than they traditionally have.
Rockets currently have the best half court offense per 100 possesses with 104.3 points. thanks to the role player
Not sure if this is a bait thread but.. The only thing that's changed in Harden's game is that he runs off actions instead of in the iso. He just takes what the defense gives him. They were helping off shooters so Harden just found the open guy. Next game when they see our 3 point % from the Magic game they will help less and Harden will get his shots. Also there are more weapons on the floor (esp Wood in the PnR) now at all times so it's hard to play against the Rockets with just sticking on shooters and making Harden shoot over the top every play with a floater or 3. People forget how often EG,CP3, Russ, Capela were injured over the past two years. Harden was basically by himself a lot with some 3 point specialists. ie. the first two games of the season, where Harden avg 38 ppg.
I think they call them Unicorns now, special talent. Unicorn - bigs who can shoot, defend and pass. Unicorn mini - smaller players.
Smh it was a blow out, he didn’t even play hardly in the 4th, he also missed a few shots. It’s good that’s he’s open to a more flow offense but I highly doubt we will continue to see him score at this rate.
Far from a role player, but hopefully they can build on this and get more comfortable in the system. If he learns how to pick his spots within an actual offensive framework he will win a ring or at least have his best shot to do so.
So if someone averages 30/4/5 per game for the last 3 games they played, are they suddenly an MVP candidate? This thread is premature. Also, 17/11 is hardly role player stats lmao.
I like how you prove your point about Harden scoring under 20 “X” amount of times by referring to his seasons almost 4-6 years ago. He’s a completely different player now. How many times did he score under 20 in 2018? 2019? He’s coming off back to back games of 15 points. And then just 21 before that. Just something to keep an eye on moving forward. The only reason he’s averaging 27/11 is because of those first two monster games. In the 4 games that he played with John Wall so far, he’s averaging just 21/11 on 38% FG. Massive dropoff from Harden’s norm. I’m not saying he can’t figure out his offense in this system, but again, just something to keep an eye on.
Harden has averaged 34/8/6 in the last 3 seasons. In a new system with a ball dominant guard in Wall, his averages are 21/11 in the 4 games they’ve played together. He’s also attempted much less FTs. If you don’t think that’s something to keep an eye on, I’m not sure what to tell you.
There is no role player that leads the league in assists. When his scoring is needed he will do so. Because there are going to be nights where if he can't score, we wont win. And furthermore his low scoring output has coincided with his ankle. This thread is kind of reactionary bro...and if Im honest, a little insulting.
he could absolutely score 35 - 40 every game on good efficiency... however i like this much better and will be more useful to the team...i dont care how much he scores if he plays with a nice bounce and energy to him....
