My god this is so stupid, what exactly are you mocking with this thread? Most of the criticism on Harden's defense (except for the seriously idiotic comments such as "blow this team up" "trade Harden" etc.) is well deserved and it's not a small sample size, it's a season and a third of samples. Most of you seem to mention Klay's bad shooting performance. There was good defense played on Thompson, but it was Parsons' defense not Harden's. Harden did a good job on Barnes, but Harden playing good defense is more of an exception than a rule. Harden does have all nba defense potential, no doubt about it, if he fully commits and doesn't lose focus he has the same defensive potential as Tony Allen, whose physique is pretty much the same as James'. The only thing holding him back is his effort level and consistency.
Harden guarded Barnes for stretches and also Thompson and did a excellent job on both... He even stepped out and guarded Curry... So no. It wasn't just Barnes. And his defense was good in San Antonio too... He's still young. Has to work on being able to put it all together every night and not just in big games...
http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2013/12/rockets-defense-showing-signs-of-life/ He got a taste of good D
I have to say, that was the best defense I've ever seen Harden play. Ever. Whatever got into his head, it was something. At least the dude has pride.
