This begs the question: if Harden and Howard bring (a) ring(s) to Houston, does Les hang a big "HINKIE" banner in the rafters?
It's funny this team is so explosive offensively that they didn't go to Howard at all or hardly use him in the post for a very long stretch. They'll be even better once they learned to use him better...such as timely passing when he was open.
Last night, two plays stood out for me. The first was when he realized Dalembert was running at him while expecting Harden to run down court. Harden didn't run, hunkered down, and let Dalembert run into him. Very smart play. The second was a typical Harden play but when Dirk had 5 and was caught back peddling on the break, James made sure to drive into him and get the foul. He's done several other little things besides what has already been mentioned that suggests his court IQ is higher than most.
IMO this is happening because they are so used to playing with asik and not being able to attempt the high risk pass for fear of a turnover. Once the realize Dwight's not asik and can catch anything, those easy dunks and ally oops to Dwight will come in abundance. One harden and Howard get more familiar with each othe watch out. I don't think their was a better player in the entire league to match Howard up with. Their perfect for each other lol. Howard helps cover hardens defensive weakness and harden is the offensive weapon every big would love to play with. Can spot up, create for himself and others while being a great pick n roll player. Hardens a true stud and will be mentioned with Lebron James and Kevin Durant by years end as the best players in the nba. The guy is just that good and inky 24. We're lucky to have him, he completely turned are franchise around by himself. Now lets sit back and watch hi, bring championships and MVPs to this great city.
Game 1, it was Harden usually sticky ball, iso, pick up game style. Game 2, attack, pass quicker with less dribbling, catch and shoot. It's only 2 games, small sample don't really know if he will play team basketball for the whole season, somebody gotta remind him, maybe Dwight will. But he does seem to do more "catch and shoot" rather than catch, dribble dribble dribble then shoot.
Why exactly do you think they will be horrible again? They added a low post threat in Al Jefferson, a defensive minded head coach, Kemba Walker is a beast. Their defense has been excellent so far in the young season.
That's what I thought before Game 1, but I'm starting to change my mind. Kemba Walker has been impressive, he looks stronger and plays better D now. Al Jefferson, a softie on the PnR defense, but he's still a good 2nd scoring option. They look nothing like last season's Bobcats and now I feel foolish for thinking they won't get above 25 wins.
35 and will finish 8th. Strong defensive squads usually get in the playoffs. MKG's jumper though...... Omg.
People really sleep on Kemba Walker. Luckily I didn't in my fantasy draft. :grin: He's an above-average PG, IMO. Al Jefferson is no slouch either. Plus, the Bobcats are free to play without the pressure of expectations, which is always a plus. But yeah, Harden is an effing boss. I can't wait to see what he looks like at his peak.
Why is it his first two games last year vs. his first two games this year? It should be his last 2(perhaps regular season games) last year vs. his first 2 this year? He didn't refresh and start anew. He needs to grow from what he struggled with last year. We're blessed to have 2 top 10 players, 2 top defensive Cs, and a double-headed PG situation. We just need to get this all ironed out, and make sure it's seamless.
