CP3 doesnt defend anyone well either. Just look at how Parker lights him up every game. I thought Lin played a good game, not his fault Parsons and Harden decided not to even try and cover Dudley or Reddick. Its just one game, the Rockets werent going to go 82-0 this season. Keep it movin
Harden looked much improved mentally to the defensive end in the preseason and in the first couple games, but reverted back to his old 2012/13 ways last night. I dont know what the deal is with this guy every once in awhile, but we know that - A. He's aware of it and talked about the accountability multiple times in Training camp. and B. McHale is sure enough holding him accountable by benching him last night. There is nothing physically(when healthy) that tells me is unable to play affective defense like someone like Kevin Martin or Aaron Brooks who dont have the physical attributes. I guess we will just have to wait and see how he responds next game. You know he's capable, you know that he knows this is an issue, and you know he's being held accountable by the coaches.... we should see a much different James Harden on defense here sooner rather than later, or it will become a huge problem with this team moving forward. I think Harden seems like a guy that isn't that type of player or person, and makes the proper changes to his preparation and mental approach to that end of the court.
Would you now, in your league on nba2k14?? Or are you talking about in real life. Can we trade Brooks for Westbrook too?? Will the computer allow Parsons for Lebron trade??
I did notice that too. He also said to the the media that he will play defense this season and he's ready to play 40+ minutes.
This article from early October is depressing because the problems listed are exactly what we saw against the Clippers. Harden was very likely suffering last night - whether from a bad ankle/knee or a hangover. But that should not have affected his focus, his concentration on being where he is supposed to be on defense.
"A lot of times I just come out with energy and that energy is not matched by the guy guarding me," Redick said. That's all you need to know.
The last play in particularly almost pulled my hair out. Made Reddick look like Monta Ellis getting to the basket (The one time ill associate anything positive with monta)
Cp3 is a good defender. Being lit up by an elite offensive player does not make you a bad defender(you should shut down elite defensive players through team defense anyway). His man to man defense is average due to his size but his help defense is excellent.
Tough night, it will happen, he will bounce back. So will the team. James showed the 2012 Finals thing was a fluke, and he will put this behind him as well, I'm sure. Same for the whole team.
One game, people is ready to trash Harden, I can't tell how short patiency So called Rox team fans are. I admit Hardent played a lousy game, but let's be honest, The coach's lineup and game strategy is where the problem comes. Our so called Twin towel does not work with Clipper's offense. HW and Asik play together simply is not the solution. They are not playing PnR in offense and slow down the pace. There is no chemistry or dynamics I can see this two co-exist within themselves or other players. You simply do not see type of play like ball movement between Lin and Pason, it is far from Lin/Tyson's play in Knicks, despite the fact I think DH can do much better then Tyson Chandler. IMHO, Mchale wanted slow ball movement ISO attach on offense side and has very little strategy to break the fast-track movement on opponent.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Years ago, an offensive star could get away with playing D like this. In 2013, it's highlighed for all to see <a href="http://t.co/gz6qunG87x">http://t.co/gz6qunG87x</a></p>— Ethan Strauss (@SherwoodStrauss) <a href="https://twitter.com/SherwoodStrauss/statuses/397834256547721217">November 5, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>If Harden keeps playing D likes this, it's either going to get him traded or get McHale fired. I'm guessing he'll improve though.</p>— Ethan Strauss (@SherwoodStrauss) <a href="https://twitter.com/SherwoodStrauss/statuses/397835124928036864">November 5, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
I'm kind of glad that Harden's poor defense is all over the news and internet. He knows everyone is talking about it, the team knows everyone is talking about it, and his star status is being questioned because of it. Now it's time to see what Harden is made of. Is he going to step his game up and prove everyone wrong? Or is he going down the path of disappointment?
